The arena remained silent.
Hundreds of thousands of eyes were fixed upon the opposite gate.
The anticipation was almost unbearable.
Even the rulers seated upon the Imperial Platform leaned forward slightly.
Everyone was waiting.
Then—
The massive gate slowly began to open.
A low rumble echoed throughout the arena.
For a brief moment, nothing happened.
Then a figure emerged.
Lucas.
The reaction was instantaneous.
The silence shattered.
The entire arena erupted.
A thunderous roar exploded from the stands.
It was unlike anything Khan had received.
The cheers were overwhelming.
Deafening.
The very air seemed to vibrate beneath the force of hundreds of thousands of voices.
"XAVIER!"
"XAVIER!"
"XAVIER!"
His name spread throughout the arena like wildfire.
People rose to their feet.
Men shouted themselves hoarse.
Women waved banners bearing his name.
Children climbed onto their seats just to catch a better glimpse of him.
