The Norvanian contestant let out a harsh laugh. "I think there's absolutely no point in waiting any longer."

"Someone truly qualified to stand on the grand finale stage wouldn't hold everyone up simply because she failed to appear."

"An event of this caliber, the highest-tier academic gauntlet in the world, shouldn't be delayed because of a single deserter."

The other Norvanian contestant chimed in. "If she lacks even a basic sense of time and responsibility to the tournament, then her absence is an answer in itself."

"If she's too terrified to show up, she should just admit it."

"It's much better than losing all remaining dignity in front of the entire world."

Another rival smiled, driving the final nail in the coffin. "The Elyndor team's journey here was worthy of respect."

"But if the leader vanishes right before the most important battle..."

He paused, sweeping a disdainful look over the Elyndorian finalists. "Then I'm afraid

it just goes to prove that this so-called powerhouse is nothing but a fluke."

The Elyndor team absolutely erupted.

"Stop jumping around and running your mouths like a bunch of clowns!"

Lydia's eyes were bloodshot. She furiously stepped forward. "The official starting bell hasn't rung yet! As long as our Captain arrives before the official start, she isn't delaying the tournament or wasting time!"

"Stop twisting the narrative." Caleb's voice was ice-cold. "The rules are perfectly clear. Anyone who arrives in the waiting room before the official match starts is deemed a valid participant. You jumping out to condemn her right now are you trying to play Organizing Committee, or do you think you can just rewrite the rules?" But the opposition had clearly orchestrated this exact confrontation to force a narrative.

The Severian contestant smirked faintly. "Less than two minutes left."

"If this still isn't proof enough, I'd love to know what your definition of an automatic forfeit is."

With a cold laugh, he suddenly raised his hand, gesturing directly toward the Severian Chief Arbiter stationed in the center of the room.

"Chief Arbiter, on behalf of the Severian delegation, I formally lodge a protest."

"I request that the committee apply

the arena disciplinary and

attendance rules to declare the

Elyndorian Captain a no-show thereby rendering her disqualified from the individual finals."

On the Norvanian side, hands immediately shot up. "I agree! Serena Lancaster has shown blatant disregard for tournament discipline by failing to arrive. This cowardly act of surrendering without a fight is a grave insult to this competition. demand her immediate

disqualification!"

Another Norvanian competitor raised his hand high. "Seconded! The academic community has no place for trash that lacks courage and punctuality!"

"Since she didn't show up, she shouldn't be allowed to hog a finals slot or waste our resources."

"The grand finale isn't a joke, and it certainly isn't a place where just anyone gets a free pass to be late."

The moment the words dropped.

Contestants from other nations exchanged calculating glances, and dozens of

hands began shooting up into the air.

They all knew exactly how terrifying Serena's capabilities were.

They were intimidated by her.

They were absolutely terrified of her.

As long as that woman was on the board, the championship was utterly out of their reach.

If they could use this loophole to kick her out of the game...

It was the perfect opportunity!

In a matter of seconds, more than half the waiting room was actively petitioning to

strip Serena of her qualifications.

The Elyndor team was shaking with rage, their eyes red with fury.

They fought back desperately, their voices echoing through the room. "The starting bell hasn't rung! There's still one minute until check in roses! As long as she

steps through those doors before

the bell, she has every right to compete!"