"This year is rather… vicious," Esmeralda's smile was sly as she spoke, her words laced with amusement. She moved with a grace that was both predatory and elegant, her dark robe fluttering as she stepped onto the glowing magic brand. As her feet settled into place, she couldn't resist casting a quick glance toward Lyon, her smirk deepening ever so slightly.
Lyon, who stood casually with his arms crossed, met her glance with a raised brow but said nothing. His confidence was as unshakable as ever, not even a hint of surprise at Esmeralda's participation. Instead, he returned her gaze with a small, knowing smile, as if understanding the unspoken challenge.
As Esmeralda stepped onto the glowing magic brand, the atmosphere within the Grand Heaven arena shifted dramatically. The prismatic light that had flared beneath her feet did not merely glow — it pulsed, sending ripples of ethereal energy across the arena floor.
