When Head Xie, Chen Chuan, Gui Zihan, and the others stepped out of the convoy, most of V Asia Central City's leadership had already arrived.
Also present were two West Bank Party legislators and a notary from the International Fighter Council Association.
There were special officials from the Federation's Executive Government who had been dispatched from the East Coast several days earlier, reporters from various Federation media outlets, and a small number of local corporate executives and private citizens from V Asia Central City, including representatives sent by the Eastern Continent and Tawatiniya settlements.
Farther out stood fighters of Tavatiniya descent who had traveled a long way. They had headed here after hearing about Rosad and Chen Chuan's arranged duel, though most held Federation citizenship.
Head Xie stepped forward, greeting those waiting there and shaking their hands one by one. Then he glanced to either side. "I heard Mr. Krosal has returned. Where is he? Has he come today?"
Ryan smiled. "Mr. Krosal has some important matters to attend to. We've reserved a seat for him, but we aren't sure whether he'll be here today."
"That's a shame. I'd hoped to greet him in person," Head Xie said regretfully. Then he turned to Chen Chuan beside him. "Director Chen, shall we head inside?"
Chen Chuan agreed.
A senior arena official waiting nearby bowed slightly and gestured to welcome him. "Mr. Chen, Mr. Rosad has already arrived. This way, please."
Chen Chuan nodded slightly and parted ways with Head Xie. Accompanied by his orderly, assistants, and Security Team, he followed the senior official into the arena through a dedicated passage.
Head Xie entered with the other attendees and made his way to the stands. The corporate representatives from the Eastern Continent settlement kept well apart from the Tawatiniya representatives, whose gazes