The soft golden rays of morning filtered through the thick canopy of the forest. Birds chirped in the distance, occasionally drowned out by the low growls of beasts echoing deeper in the woods.
The arena, once eerily silent under the moonlight, was now buzzing with life. The seats that stood empty the previous night were quickly filling up with excited spectators, the hum of chatter rising like a growing storm.
"Hey, did you see that monster Rudo took down yesterday?"
"Yeah, man. I nearly pissed myself just looking at its face."
"That spirit wolf of his is insane."
"No doubt he's gonna make to the top 10."
"His spirit is best."
"Best? Please. Lei Mei's way stronger, her spirits are on another level."
"Seriously? She hasn't even fought anyone yet. How would you know?"
"Tch. I can just tell by looking."
"Heh, you're just drooling over every pretty girl in the arena."
"Am not."
"Simp."
"I said I'm not a simp!"
Laughter rippled through nearby seats as the banter continued.
