Manipulating the Game

For the contestants, this was just another competition, but for the businessmen behind it, it was all about making a profit.

Organizing a massive competition like this across the entire Alliance wasn't something a single sponsor could pull off.

There were definitely a few heavy hitters bankrolling this event, and they'd already picked their favorites. They even had a pretty good idea of who'd walk away with the championship.

Anyone who fell for their smooth talk and signed on the dotted line would just end up as a pawn in their game.

"But Miss Shedd, you must realize, once you enter the competition, we have the right to broadcast it," the planning manager insisted, his tone hardening as he tried to assert control.

"Broadcast all you want, but whether or not we cooperate is entirely up to us," Lyra shot back, not missing a beat. She stood her ground without a moment's hesitation. "Our match is about to start, so goodbye."