The crack of my palm against Elias's face echoed through the competition hall. His head snapped to the side, a red handprint blooming on his cheek. Gasps rippled through the crowd as I lowered my hand, my eyes never leaving his stunned face.
"That," I said calmly, "was for your pathetic attempts at sabotage."
Elias touched his cheek, his eyes blazing with humiliation and rage. "You'll regret this," he hissed.
Desmond Davenport leapt to his feet, pointing at me with undisguised fury. "This is unacceptable! Competitor Knight has violated the rules of conduct! I demand his immediate disqualification!"
Before I could respond, voices erupted from the audience.
"After what his student did? That's rich!"
"We all saw Elias trying to sabotage him!"
"The blue flame alchemist deserves his chance!"
