-----
"What's wrong? Why aren't you giving up yet?" Chastine asked.
"You're clearly exhausted, and your mana is nearly drained. Why aren't you surrendering?"
She hoped he would concede the fight, as it was evident from his face that he was weakening and struggling to continue fighting.
Even she was tired, but she was determined not to stop the battle as long as her opponent didn't give up.
"There's no way I'm giving up---Argh!"
McKinley cried out again as more thorns from the cactus pierced through his defenses. His ring of fire had diminished significantly, now barely encircling him as he used it defensively to fend off the endless barrage of thorns.
-----
Meanwhile...
"Aww, I didn't expect McKinley to lose to Chastine. I guess my bets are wasted." Tough lamented with a hint of regret, his eyes fixed on the screen.
Tough wasn't the only one feeling disappointed....
