Kern stood, offering a quick salute to the audience before striding off the stage. His confidence was still there, but now it carried a depth that hadn't been there before. The crowd's applause followed him as he disappeared and Aldric entered after.
Aldric entered the room with a calm, calculated air, his meticulously styled blond hair catching the light as he stepped into view. His noble attire, pristine and sharply tailored, set him apart from the rugged contestants who had come before him. As he took his seat, his gaze swept over the room, assessing every detail with an almost predatory sharpness.
The host smiled warmly, though her tone carried a slight edge of curiosity. "Aldric, a pleasure to have you here. You've certainly been making waves in the Arena of Life. Tell us, what drives a noble like yourself to participate in such a brutal competition?"
