"I won."
Saros had battled for nearly three hours, always keeping his nerves taut, never daring to relax for a moment.
Now, he had fought, he had won, and he stood as the last one remaining.
"I didn't lose, I'm still alive."
To stand as a mortal facing a legend, one who has never personally experienced it, would never understand the terrifying pressure a legend brings, that sense of utter despair. Honestly, Saros would not want to experience it a second time.
"Congratulations."
The voice of Clearspring echoed in Saros' heart, and he nodded: "It was just luck."
According to the agreement, Saros had won his victory; he could reclaim his freedom, leave this arena behind, and be unbound.
Clearspring was happy because Saros could return.
The word released by the Holy Emperor was that anyone who could pass the test of the arena would be exempt from punishment, and his majesty was something even an Emperor Candidate had to bow down to.
