At some point, Aylin stopped laughing. Not because she was done but rather because she decided it was about time to assume some level of seriousness. Only when she looked at her brother's face, her amusement returned.
"Alright," she said, "Let's do it."
A spinning disc in the air made a clicking sound and the crystal atop it projected a screen on which were the words [Challenge Accepted!]
"They really pulled all the stops, didn't they?" Eloise said, sounding impressed, despite her aversion to duels. After all, she never had any issues watching them.
"You should stay back," Aylin said cockily, "This will be over soon."
Kaya clenched and unclenched her fists, as if she were itching for some combat herself, but then Eloise grabbed her arm, and together they took a couple of steps back.
Baler's team stepped back as well and Baler stepped forward. He and Aylin now appeared to have a grand stage to settle what looked like grievances long nursed.
