Alistair stepped into the arena with steady strides, neither hesitant nor slow. His back was straight, his face calm.
He didn't need to prove anything to anyone not to the crowd that erupted in cheers at his appearance, nor to the opponent waiting on the opposite side. But even so… he had no intention of holding back.
"Alistair! Alistair!"
His name echoed like crashing waves in a stadium filled with watching eyes and pounding hearts.
His opponent stood across from him a man called Vildar.
He flicked his wrist lightly, and a sharp metallic scrape came from his sword, as if the air itself had been split.
"Looks like we use the same weapon..."
Vildar said, his voice carrying a blend of excitement and alertness.
"But let's see if we share the same skill as well."
Alistair didn't respond, only lowered his head slightly and closed his eyes for a second.
