Hundreds of kilometers away, within the Vorn Estate's central observation chamber, Clara Fitzgerald watched the battle unfold through a crystalline projection. The image was crystal clear—every movement, every technique, every drop of blood rendered in perfect detail.
The high elders flanked her. Seven men and women whose combined authority oversaw all Shadow and Sword rankings within the family. Any sanctioned fight between ranked members fell under their jurisdiction. The outcomes directly affected positioning within the hierarchy.
"Elder Morvan, what do you think of this fight?" Clara asked without looking away from the projection.
Elder Morvan—a heavyset man with a gray beard and permanent scowl—crossed his arms. "Aldric wins. The cultivation gap is simply too large. Four stages is insurmountable at this level. I'll bet five hundred thousand credits on Aldric completing his victory within thirty minutes."
