In the spectator seats of the First Arena, Atra sat in the special section reserved for professors and other important figures, her eyes fixed on the floating hologram in front of her.

▶Ihan: Got it. (5 weeks ago)
▶Ihan: Yes, I’ll return safely. (4 weeks ago)
▶Ihan: I’ll do my best in the finals! (Just now)
▶Ihan: ????‍???? (Just now)

The message history between Ihan and Atra was laid out on the hologram.

Her finger flicked, scrolling through the previous messages before glancing back at the newest one.

The change in tone, from the earliest message to …