Mala, a lean, black-furred werewolf with silver markings tracing her armor, smirked. "Let them have their fantasies, Korak. They'll need something to dream about when they're watching us from the loser's seats." She gave a teasing wink to the apeling crowd, which erupted into more jeers and cheers.
One particularly rowdy apeling, balancing a plate of snacks on his head, stood up and yelled, "Oi, Mala! How's that fur treating you in the heat? I bet you're dying to jump into a cold bath after wearing that heavy armor!"
Mala rolled her eyes playfully. "Please. This 'heavy armor' keeps me warm while you lot are shivering under your banana-leaf capes. But don't worry, after I win, I might toss you a fur blanket to cuddle up with."
The apelings laughed, their playful mocking continuing. "We'll need it after we bury you in the first match!" another one shouted, pointing a finger at Korak.
