The entire arena fell into stunned silence.
Thousands of spectators stared at the scene before them with expressions of complete disbelief.
Just moments ago, victory had seemed certain. Masamune had dominated nearly the entire Duel of Mortals, pushing Kavin further and further toward defeat until the outcome appeared inevitable.
Yet now the Sword Demon stood frozen in place with a blade pressed firmly against his throat.
For several long seconds, nobody spoke.
The exchange had happened directly before their eyes. That was precisely why the silence did not last.
"He cheated!"
The furious shout exploded from somewhere within the crowd. Like a spark landing in dry grass, the accusation immediately spread.
"He cheated!"
"Disqualify him!"
"Disqualify him!"
"Disqualify him!"
The arena erupted into chaos.
Thousands of voices merged together into a deafening roar as anger swept through the audience.
