Michael wasn't wrong.
Group B wasn't the only group that received newcomers.
Across the arena, in the other preparation chambers, a similar scene unfolded—but each with its own color.
In Group A, where Uga stood like an unmoving boulder near the back wall, the atmosphere hadn't grown hostile—but it had shifted.
New entrants had arrived. And like those in Group B, they were clearly not part of the trials from the start.
But these ones were different.
Their leader was a man, tall and broad-shouldered, with iron-gray gauntlets and a steel crown etched into his chest plate.
When asked who they were, he simply said:
"We are from the Steel Kingdom."
Unlike the Earth Dragon Kingdom, the Steel Kingdom was on friendly terms with Lionheart.
They shared trade routes, some cultural exchanges, and even occasional joint military drills. They were allies.
At least… on paper.
But that didn't mean they were welcome.
