In the early morning, a thin mist hung in the air.
On the distant horizon, a red sun had just broken through at dawn, and the Arena of the Stars had already drawn an immense crowd.
The entrance to the arena, capable of holding more than a hundred thousand spectators, was already mobbed to the point of being impassable.
Such a large crowd hadn't gathered this early just to scramble for seats; every ticket corresponded to a specific spot.
They came so early to catch a glimpse of the young prodigies who were competing.
This crowd included many love-struck young women. They were, of course, hoping to catch the eye of one of the prodigies. If they could 'catch' one and bring him home to their family, it would be a far better fate than being randomly sacrificed for a family alliance.
Many nobles from powerful families were just as enthusiastic about this prospect.
