The crowd was taken aback, for Ben was a formidable level 6+ champion, and few in this shelter could match such prowess. Yet, here was a girl, emerging from obscurity to challenge him on the stage.
"Are you certain?!" the announcer questioned, his voice tinged with concern. "You're quite striking, and this battle could mar your features."
Ella met his gaze with a silent, steely look, her patience wearing thin with his probing. The announcer, noting her resolve and fearing the repercussions of a champion's wrath, wiped his brow and resumed his duties.
'I'm not compensated enough for this. In the presence of champions, I am but a mere mortal.'
"Alright then, we have a challenger eager to face the fearsome fighter Ben! She is the lady of the night, the harbinger of pain—lady..." He paused, realizing he didn't know her name, but Ella promptly filled the silence. "Blaze."
"Blaze!!!" he echoed with gusto.
