Verren watched as Renn left the arena after winning.
He was exhausted—spent. But victorious.
Verren didn't hesitate any longer.
He turned from the pillar and leapt back to the outside area of the arena.
The chaos of cheers in the building continued, but none of it touched him.
Verren had made his decision.
He would walk to the other end of the arena—toward the waiting rooms—and speak with Renn directly.
Even if the boy refused at first, Verren was sure of one thing.
He was going to take that youth as a disciple.
That thought had barely finished forming when—
"Ladies and gentlemen!" the commentator's voice boomed again, carried by the arena-wide enchantments. "We've just witnessed one of the greatest fights this coliseum has ever seen!"
The crowd roared.
"But it's not over yet! Up next is another match! The winner of the next match… will be facing Renn Noah in the Grand Finals!"
Verren paused mid-step.
He turned his head.
Then came the names.
