The anticipation in the arena reached its peak as the last participant stepped into the spotlight. However, as the figure came into view, a murmur of surprise rippled through the crowd. It was a girl, her presence defying the audience's expectations.
The spectators exchanged puzzled glances, their initial enthusiasm dampened by a sense of skepticism. The traditional norms of the martial world had conditioned them to believe that women were less capable in combat.
The appearance of a female contestant disrupted their preconceived notions, and some greeted it with hesitation.
"The appearance of Lily isn't really welcomed by the audience," a voice whispered, echoing the underlying bias that permeated the martial arts community.
The crowd's reaction reflected a deep-seated prejudice against female warriors, overlooking their potential and diminishing their achievements.
