Gratitude [2]

For the crowd, it really was an event to remember. The entire thing seemed to be plotted out well, keeping a sort of continuity that let them feel like they were really part of the action.

For the geniuses, on the other hand, it was a completely different experience.

They showed up, heard the horns, fought, and left.

At first, they were too focused. By the end, they were too weary to pay attention to anything else.

There was no closing ceremony. After all, they were all winners, so there wasn't much of a ceremony to hold.

They stood shoulder to shoulder and listened to the crowd for a few minutes before being ushered off through a door embedded in the side of the arena. It led to a place that visitors couldn't reach.

Only then were they allowed to relax.

August immediately collapsed against a nearby wall, creating water to drink.