The once-vibrant stadium descended into an unsettling quietness. It was as if someone had drained the very life from it. The faces of thousands of spectators wore looks of disbelief, struggling to accept the horrifying news that was just delivered. These were not just ordinary people, they were the cornerstone of the empire, second in command only to the Emperor himself. Their sudden death in their own bastions of power was a gut punch no one saw coming, a blow that sent the entire stadium spiraling into a shock-induced silence.
In the hushed crowd, the merfolk were easily the most affected. Their expressions ranged from disbelief to fear to outright horror. After all, the fallen were part of their race, the most influential among them. This was not just an attack on those individuals but a strike at the heart of the merfolk's power and prestige. Their eyes darted around anxiously, whispers spreading among them like wildfire.