The competition platform was alive once again.
Lancet sat in his Class Group sector, surrounded by his fellow Summoners, while the noise of the crowd washed over him.
As usual, hundreds of voices blended into a single, rolling thunder vibrating in his chest. Banners representing each Class Group snapped in the wind that channeled through the open roof.
Beside him, Kasto watched his friend intensely, almost like he was studying a puzzle. He had been quiet for most of the pre-event buildup, but Lancet could feel the question building in his friend like pressure in a sealed bottle.
"So," Kasto said finally. "Really. Where were you for the past five days?"
Lancet kept his gaze forward. "I told you already."
