Cheers erupted from the upper floor.
No one knew who started it, but the sound spread like a spark catching dry grass.
"Fight! Fight! Fight! Fight!"
The chant rolled through the hall, loud and wild, fueled by excitement and alcohol. Some hunters slammed their fists against the railing, others raised their drinks high, faces flushed with anticipation.
Lin Mei gripped the railing tightly, her knuckles turning pale. Her eyes never left the dueling ground below.
"Fang-di…" she whispered, worry tightening her chest.
Not far from her, Nixian's young aunt stood with her arms crossed. Her gaze was sharp, fixed on Lin Fang. "Good," she murmured to herself. "Now this will show his true strength."
Her eyes shifted briefly to Zack. "Zack Walter… an A-rank hunter who once defeated a King-tier beast with his bare hands."
Her lips pressed together. "This won't be a simple fight."
