The mountain island that was home to the colosseum rang with the sounds of battle. Shockwaves rippled to the corners of Haven, dulled to a faint breeze by the powerful barriers surrounding the island. I warded myself as we stepped off the final floating bridge, stopping before the entrance to the narrow path winding to the center of the island, where the arena lay. Even suppressed by my wards, the sounds of explosions and clashing mana rumbled in my ears.
"They're really going at it, aren't they," Emlica said.
"They're all battle junkies," I muttered.
She shook her head in disapproval. "True power is gained from studying, and honed by battle. Only fools seek one or the other, and I have a feeling your two friends don't spend much time reading."
She started forward, then paused, shooting me a look over her shoulder. Her lip curled in a sly smile.
"I also get the feeling you spend that same amount of time sparring."
