Showing strength

Among the fifty strongest here, over thirty belong to the ten behemoth clans that have ruled the continent for thousands of years. Fewer than twenty are from other clans, and even among those, only three, counting Apollo, come from weak or unpopular clans—an unprecedented occurrence in the past thousand years. 

This unexpected development sent ripples through the gathered audience. For generations, dominance in these trials had been monopolized by the great clans, leaving little room for outsiders to shine. 

"Three from weak clans?" One elder muttered in disbelief. "It's unbelievable they cannot come this far without the help of superior teaching and resources."

Though many viewed these three as anomalies, some saw them as threats. Among the great clans, whispers of jealousy and disdain circulated, their pride stung by the success of those who were supposed to be beneath them.