CHAPTER 76 — WHEN FIRE WRITES THE RULES
The arena of Vermillion Phoenix Academy was alive.
Not metaphorically.
Literally.
Heat flowed beneath the stone floor in slow, restrained currents, regulated by ancient formations layered so deeply that only masters could sense them. Crimson banners hung high above, fluttering even though there was no wind, their phoenix sigils glowing faintly like embers that refused to die.
This was not a battlefield.
It was a statement.
All remaining teams stood within the arena.
Academy uniforms formed distinct clusters of color and design, each group representing not just skill, but philosophy. Some teams stood tense and alert. Others looked relaxed, even arrogant.
Above them, the stands were overflowing.
Spectators packed every tier.
Students. Elders. Noble families. Guild representatives. Observers whose faces were blurred by intentional concealment.
Eyes overlapped. Intent brushed intent.
