Astrael's boots scraped lightly against the stone as he walked to the centre of the arena, his expression unreadable, calm yet alert. His hand rested casually on the hilt of his sword, fingers relaxed but ready. His raven black hair shimmered faintly under the rising sun that filtered in from the high windows above.
'Let's see the result of all those years of training,' he thought, his usual calm smile still hanging on his lips. His hand was lightly gripping the hilt of the sword.
Truthfully, even he didn't know how he would measure up.
Sure, he'd trained endlessly, day after day, sparring with the manor guards, testing himself against Captain Avalon, mastering footwork, forms, and theory. But that was under the safety of the Ravenastra estate. Under the watchful eyes of mentors and family.
This was different.
This was real.
"OPEN THE CAGE!" Gauntaur's loud voice boomed, snapping Astrael from his thoughts.
