Jayden paused, carefully modulating his tone. "Yeah. That's me. How did you know that?" he asked cautiously.
"I was there," Silas said casually, leaning against the counter. "My niece goes there, so I went down to watch her compete. I saw your matches."
"Oh. I see." Jayden said, acting surprised and intrigued.
"You've got serious talent, kid," Silas continued, his tone shifting into one of genuine praise. "I was impressed. Especially with your composure. You stayed completely calm the entire time, even under pressure. Most people panic in the face of battle."
"That was nothing, really," Jayden said, looking down at the floor. "The global tournament is the real challenge."
