A hush fell on the coliseum as two figures walked forward into the arena.
On one side stood Allen; his composure was calm. The boy's shoulders were loose, almost unaffected by the palpable tension in the air.
Allen's snow-white hair fluttered gently in the wind; his ruby eyes were serene or rather distant as if his mind wandered through beyond the match.
The opposite of him was Selka Ignat, the fiercest talent in Valor Academy. Her booths clinked on the ground with quiet force, and her fingers twitched on the sides uncontrollably.
Selka's expression was calm, but her orange eyes blazed with an intense spirit that evaporated even the sea.
She was currently fighting the flame inside her, holding it in place from erupting early in the battle.
Cheers rumbled across the crowds, but the two didn't react, staring at each other's eyes.
There was no need for words; both understood each burden that was carried on their shoulders.
