The room fell silent, the weight of his words settling over the audience. Ya-Mi's voice softened. "And Ty? What are your thoughts on him? He's been a polarizing figure in this competition."
Diez's expression darkened slightly, though not with anger. "Ty… He's a mystery. Strong, yes. Determined. But there's something driving him that's hard to pin down. He's not here for glory or power like so many others. That makes him dangerous—and worth watching."
A new voice interjected from the audience, surprising everyone. A sponsor stood, their finely tailored suit catching the light. "Diez, as someone with unmatched defensive skills, what would you change about the Arena if you could?"
Diez considered the question, his jaw tightening briefly. "The cruelty. The way it pits people against each other for sport. Strength should protect, not entertain. But changing that isn't a warrior's task. It's a ruler's."
