Clang!
Jerren struck the Large Copper Gong, announcing the end of the Grand Melee. Those on the field no longer had to treat one another as enemies and could relax for a moment.
Only fourteen people remained standing in the arena.
Blood, limbs, people groaning and people unconscious-the whole field was a mess. Soldiers of the Redmane Army came out to clean up, dragging away anyone still breathing for basic treatment. The dead were left on the field for now. It seemed they intended to use the corpses to make things harder for the remaining contestants.
Holding a list written up on the spot, Jerren called out, "Step forward when your name is called. Let us know who you are. Juno Hoslow!"
Yuno, who wielded the Twin Whips, wound them around his arms, stepped forward, and raised his hand. Applause came from the stands, where a little boy jumped up and down, shouting, "Brother! Brother!"
Yuno smiled and waved to his younger brother, Diallos. It was clear the brothers were close.
Jerren called loudly, "Old Man!"
Covered in blood, Old Man stepped forward with his head lowered. He flicked the blood from his two blades and returned them to the scabbards at his waist, then looked toward Zhao Si at the very back, seemingly with something to say.
"Darian!"
Darian, the pale-faced youth with light golden hair, raised his greatsword to signal his presence. Both the spectators and the contestants were unfamiliar with the name Darian. They had no idea where this newcomer had come from, but he looked promising, someone who might pull off an upset. Zhao Si gave it some thought. The name sounded familiar, but he could not place it just then.
"Vyke."
Vyke lifted his iron spear from the ground, walked over to Zhao Si, and