Ronan stood in the center of the duel arena, gazing around at the crowd pressing against the perimeter.
Students filled the stands, faculty positioned along the edges, their robes bearing house crests and Academy insignia. He could hear whispers Laughter. Anticipation. They were waiting for him to be humiliated.
Strange.
Despite this being his second life, he had never stood in front of so many people as the center of attention.
As Ren, he was never watched like this. The original Ronan may have been watched as an heir – praised, scrutinized – but he didn't have those memories.
Ronan found the attention odd. But not unpleasant.
A little fun, even. It got his heart beating.
Across from him, Brutas stood with his cocky smile still firmly in place, one fist resting against his hip. His steel gauntlet glinted under the afternoon sun. His posture screamed confidence.
Ronan smiled back.
