Serena followed Lydia's gaze.
Not too far away, the delegations from the United Realmon States and Caldoria had just exited the terminal.
The event staff practically tripped over themselves to greet them, grinning from ear to ear with sickening enthusiasm.
They were ushered toward a fleet of luxury SUVs, complete with local police cruisers flashing their lights to escort them.
The VIP treatment was obnoxiously over the top.
For countries with slightly less global influence, the staff provided spacious, comfortable coach buses.
While not on the level of the United Realmon States, it was still a respectable reception.
But for delegations like Elyndor, they were left standing on the curb, forced to wait endlessly.
And when their rides finally did arrive, it was usually a basic shuttle or a cramped minibus they had to squeeze into.
The double standard was blatant.
Lydia stood on her tiptoes, looking around frantically. "Everyone else is leaving. Where's our bus?"
They had been waiting forever.
Not a single event staff member had even glanced their way.
Vanessa frowned. "Logically speaking, Elyndor's global standing is right up there with the United Realmon States. Even if Severia is playing favorites, they should have sent someone for us by now."
The rest of the contestants began looking around in frustration.
Caleb pushed his glasses up his nose. "You can stop looking. Our ride is right over there."
"Where?" Lydia immediately stretched her neck to look.
The rest of the team followed his gaze.
Instantly, their blood boiled.
Parked in a neglected corner was a battered minibus.
It was a complete wreck—windows cracked, paint peeling, and the exterior covered in deep scratches.
Many of them were fluent polyglots.
Did the staff seriously think they didn't understand the insults?
And even if they didn't speak the language, the mocking sneers were universal.
"These Elyndorians will ride whatever piece of trash we give them. They're just a bunch of paper tigers, exactly like they were at the World Cup."
"They're on Severian soil now. They have no choice but to sit down and do exactly as we say."
"Haha, just picturing them squeezing into that rust bucket is cracking me up. Make sure you get some good pictures for the international press. Let the whole world see how pathetic these paper tigers really are!"
"Haha..."
As they ruthlessly mocked the team in Severian, the Elyndorian contestants felt the sting of blatant humiliation.
They were ready to explode.
"This is crossing the line!"

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