Damien leaned back in his chair, eyes half-closed as he quietly listened to the announcement blaring from the holo-screen mounted above the cafeteria hall.
Beside him, Elly, the newly-named fox girl, now dressed neatly in Pearl Institute's uniform, swung her legs cheerfully, munching on a sweet bun.
"...The governments of China and the European Empire have agreed to end the decade-long conflict with a decisive, high-stakes battle," the announcer declared gravely. "Seven against seven. No participant older than twenty-five. China stakes Mongolia while Europe stakes the entirety of Russia."
The cafeteria erupted in shock, surprise, and excitement all at once.
"They're putting national borders on the line in a single duel?" Fatty shouted, eyes wide. "That's insane."
"Not just insane. It's genius," Ji Chen said softly, frowning deeply. "Both sides are exhausted. Neither wants to drag this out further. A decisive battle like this... It's ruthless, but it makes sense."
