Aren looked at his opponent as he walked out to face him.
The man looked… ordinary.
Average build. Short black hair. No armor. No visible weapon. Just simple clothes. That alone was strange enough to make Aren cautious.
They stood a few meters apart, staring at each other in silence before the man finally spoke.
"My name is Gerald," he said calmly. "I saw what you did earlier. Against the other guy. You're strong, stronger than most here. Even without going all out."
Aren let out a small smile.
"So?" he asked. "You planning to forfeit?"
Gerald shook his head. "No. I'd rather lose than walk away. If the trials taught me anything, it's that you keep fighting until you can't anymore."
He took a step back and raised his hands into a kickboxing stance.
Aren narrowed his eyes slightly.
Gerald still hadn't summoned a weapon. No armor either.
Interesting.
Aren mirrored him, stepping back and settling into a loose boxing stance, shoulders relaxed but ready.
