The Blue Dragon broke the silence first, his long body coiling slightly as he watched the stillness settle over the hall. "Ten of them, and not even a full breath spent."
The White Tiger let out a low huff, though there was less certainty behind it than before. "This young has grown into his former strength since last we saw him fight."
"He hasn't drawn on anything beyond his own base strength yet," the Vermilion Bird said, her feathers shifting as she leaned in for a closer look. "This is barely him trying."
The Black Tortoise said nothing at first, only watching with his old, patient eyes fixed on every motion below. After a moment, he spoke. "Then let's see what happens when they stop testing him."
"They will," the Blue Dragon said, his gaze dropping back toward the hall. "Pride doesn't let a force like that walk away after losing eleven in the opening exchange."
The White Tiger grunted. "Good. I'd rather watch him fight than stand around guessing."
