Convulsions gripped the hearts of every mortal. Not only due to Lord Treeda's words, but also from the sudden appearance of the fox standing beside Lord Treeda.
"Greaaat…"
That muffled mumble leaked out of Oli's stifled confidence. He recovered it the next second, but that news was too jarring to ignore or forget.
"Again," Lord Treeda cheerily declared, "Netra and her team will not be competing for a spot in the second round.
"They are merely participating for the sake of experience. And to prove to you all why she has already been selected to represent Toxic-shadow Prefecture. So, be on your guard. And challenge her if you dare.
"If any of you can take her out of the competition, then you'll be granted her spot in the Quadrant Finals.
"That is, so long as you aren't killed by her instead."
Treeda's wicked giggle left every candidate trio with a deep-rooted confliction: to consider that instant reward or to avoid Netra entirely.
