As the intermission began, Team Ignus gathered to discuss their next opponents. Ignus, A'Moi, Brenna, and Roxy sat together, strategizing and speculating. Ignus leaned in, his eyes sparking with curiosity. "Any ideas who we'll be up against next?"
Before anyone could answer, a familiar voice cut through the air. "You'll be facing us, Team Ignus." The voice belonged to a tall, muscular man with a stern expression, flanked by two others who looked equally imposing. A'moi recognized him instantly—it was the man from the market, the one who had been rude to A'Moi and Roxy.
The man stepped forward, his gaze locked on Ignus. "I am Agni Darcour, son of Ingra Darcour, aide to the King." He extended a hand towards Ignus, who eyed it warily but shook it nonetheless. "Our match won't be as easy as the last one, I assure you of that."
Ignus raised an eyebrow, unimpressed. "Is that so? Well, we'll see about that, won't we?" He glanced at A'Moi and Roxy, who both wore expressions of determination.
Agni's lip curled into a sneer. "Oh, I remember you two," he said, looking at A'Moi and Roxy. "The street rat and the pretty girl. It's a wonder you're still alive, let alone competing in this tournament."
Roxy bristled at the insult, but A'Moi placed a calming hand on her arm. Ignus stood up, towering over Agni. "Watch your words, Darcour. You may have the King's favor, but that won't help you in the arena."
Agni chuckled, unfazed. "We'll see about that, won't we?" With that, he turned on his heel and walked away, his teammates following closely behind.
As they disappeared into the crowd, Ignus turned back to his team. "Well, it looks like we have our work cut out for us. Let's show them what Team Ignus is made of."
With renewed determination, Team Ignus prepared for their next match, knowing that this time, the stakes were higher than before.