Light from the torches flickered across the bloodstained sand, illuminating the battered forms of trainees, wolves, and Kobold corpses. A tense hush filled the coliseum, all eyes on the tall figure of Melo, who stepped onto the central platform. The chain that held the great gate slackened, leaving it half-open in the torchlit arena. The breeze from outside felt unnaturally cool after the chaos that had just reigned.
Melo took a steady breath, then raised his voice to address everyone present. "The second wave is concluded." His words washed over the stands and those huddled on the battlefield. "By order of the captains, the trial will not proceed to the planned third wave."
