The shock created by Tony Clark's appearance beneath the Golden Flag refused to die down.
Even several minutes later, spectators throughout the arena continued staring toward the same location. Some people rubbed their eyes repeatedly as though expecting Tony to suddenly realize he had walked to the wrong place. Others began questioning whether the rules contained hidden details nobody else understood.
After all, this was Tony Clark.
The same person who had spent the first round stealing opportunities.
The same person who somehow advanced through the second round while looking more relaxed than most spectators.
Yet now he stood among the strongest competitors remaining in the entire tournament.
It made no sense.
Around the battlefield, the final numbers had already stabilized.
Fifty participants gathered beneath the White Flag.
Thirty stood beneath the Red Flag.
Only thirteen had chosen the Golden Flag.
The contrast looked absurd.
