A charged silence filled the arena. The golden-eyed student took a step forward, the air around him crackling with energy. His grin never wavered, confidence radiating off him like heat.
Joshua narrowed his eyes. "First opponent?" He wasn't sure whether to be annoyed or amused. "We just got here, man."
The student chuckled, lifting a hand as golden sparks flickered between his fingers. "That's how things work here. No introductions, no warm-ups. You fight, or you don't belong."
Adam crossed his arms, watching with mild amusement. "Well, that's one way to say hello."
Aurora sighed, already bored. "These guys always have a 'prove yourself' phase, don't they?"
The golden-eyed student ignored them, his focus locked onto Joshua. "You. Step in the ring."
Joshua raised an eyebrow. "And if I don't?"
The student smirked. "Then you walk out of here a nobody."
A low murmur spread through the crowd. The students watching leaned forward, eager for a fight. This was their entertainment.
