Hearing: Fly, Kitasan Black

As Symboli Rudolph's words fell, the venue sank into absolute silence.

It was not the silence of a vacuum, but one made airless by the weight contained in her words.

After a long while.

The Commercial Federation's President let out a long sigh, one tinged with defeat, relief, and a faint, almost imperceptible sense of helplessness from having been swept aside by the tides of the times.

He shook his head with a bitter smile, then turned toward the Association's Chairperson beside him and gave a slight nod.

The Chairperson did not look at him. Her gaze remained fixed blankly on Symboli Rudolph, as though she were trying to see clearly once more this "Emperor" who had once been familiar to her, yet now felt somewhat unfamiliar.

In the end, she too nodded silently. The motion was slight, yet it was as though she had set down an immense burden.

Just as the oppressive silence was about to reach its peak, Kitasan Black abruptly rose to her feet.

The legs of her chair scraped sharply against the floor, shattering the stagnant air.

Her chest heaved violently. The confusion and anger in her crimson eyes were gone, replaced by an almost scorching yearning mixed with overwhelming shock, boundless gratitude, and sudden understanding.

She finally understood why her idol, Tokai Teio, revered this senior so deeply.

It was not merely because of her strength on the track, but because of her vision and sense of responsibility—transcending victory and defeat, carving out a path for those who came after.

"Emperor" was not merely a title.

It meant, in the truest sense, a "pioneer," a "conqueror of new frontiers."

A true "Emperor," one who dared—and was able—to shoulder an entire era for the dreams of her juniors.

Clap, clap, clap. Kitasan Black began to