The effect was instant.
Outrage erupted like wildfire across the arena.
"What?!"
"Ten? All at once?!"
"That's insane!"
The man's response was immediate. He raised a single hand—and unleashed a subtle pulse of mana.
Silence.
The uproar died abruptly as the pressure in the air spiked. Conversations were cut off mid-sentence. It wasn't an aggressive aura, but it pressed down enough to still the crowd.
Michael didn't even flinch. To him, it was like a breeze.
The man's eyes narrowed, his voice now sharper. "Did you think this was a game? A fairground contest? You're here seeking rewards from the Duke of Evermoon. Do not expect them to come cheap."
He let the silence linger before continuing. "If you're afraid of death, you still have three minutes to leave. No shame. But once the trial begins, that door closes."
