208 Fellow Contenders

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Before Kieran's arrival, Harlan suspected he had cold feet about the entire competition after learning of Alythia's perspective. The Gladiator's Coliseum was a truly brutal event, so deciding not to participate was understandable from a spectator's point of view.

However, it was an unpardonable offense within the War Deity Council's upper echelon because it symbolized cowardice—a principle unwelcomed within the ranks of the War Deity Council.

Once a nominal member refrained from participation after signing up, they'd be barred from signing up again, which is why Harlan spoke harshly against Alythia's opinion. 

It would pain his heart if a great talent and the successor of a Commander had their ascent forcibly thwarted due to circumstances that could be easily avoided.

After hearing Harlan's comment, several others turned toward Kieran, especially Captain Liam, whose eyes flashed with a meaningful light.