Sorien stood still for a moment, his eyes slowly lifting toward the arena above.
The transformation had already surprised him.
But the open roof surprised him even more.
Sunlight poured down freely, clear and unobstructed.
The morning sun had risen just enough to bathe the entire arena in a soft, steady glow.
Sorien took a quiet breath.
This was still early morning.
And this exact time… was when Solmira Clan cultivators were at their strongest.
Several Solmira members noticed it too.
Their posture straightened almost instinctively. Their breathing adjusted.
A faint sense of familiarity and comfort spread through them.
One of the younger members whispered, "The roof is open…"
Another muttered under his breath, "This is… ideal."
Sindral narrowed his eyes, a hint of confusion flashing across his face.
Sorien slowly turned his gaze toward Garion.
"Sir Garion," he said, his voice calm but clearly surprised, "this arena…"
He paused, choosing his words carefully.
