Both Lee and Carter were baffled by Soma's statement. They exchanged a brief glance before Carter himself lifted the corner of his lips; he stored back the gauntlet he took and spoke.
"Alright, then I won't use it either. Is that good for you?".
Instead of replying, Soma shrugged his shoulders and prepared his stance. Carter also distanced himself a bit, then prepared his stance.
Carter lifted his fists on the level of his chin while his feet were aligned diagonally, his right foot forward and his left back, while doing some little movement.
Lee saw both contestants had already stayed in their positions, so he raised his hand high without further ado and swung it downward.
"Start!".
