The crowd's energy buzzed like lightning in the air. Like a living storm of voices and excitement.
"Come on, just give up already!"
"Why waste our time when the fight has already been decided?"
The training hall of the Blue Bound Guild was filled to the brim, adventurers and spectators leaning forward on the railings as two figures faced each other at the center of the marble-floored arena.
Especially now that Alyssa, one of the most popular adventurer and leader, is on stage.
Auren stood relaxed, his hand resting lightly on the hilt of a cracked steel sword, the corner of his mouth slightly curled into that familiar, irritating smirk that could either mean confidence or madness.
Across from him was Alyssa, the Blue Bound's pride and one of its top-ranked knights. Her polished armor shimmered under the arena light, and the faint blue hue of her aura pulsed like a heartbeat.
From the edge of the arena, Blas the archer teammate of Alyssa, called out,
