The guild's central arena buzzed with an electric tension as David stepped into the wide, sand-covered ring. A crescent of adventurers lined the edges, their expressions ranging from wary to opportunistic. Each had their sights on the prize, the 500 terran gold—a fortune large enough to secure a family's future for years.
Mariana stood at David's side, arms crossed, her eyes sharp and intent. She had discarded her usual playfulness, now keen to observe this battle sense David had spoken of. The atmosphere in the arena felt heavy, like a storm teetering on the horizon.
David rolled his shoulders and stretched his arms, his body loose and relaxed despite the eyes on him. His calm demeanor contrasted sharply with the greedy and eager stares of his challengers. "A crowd like this, just for me?" David joked, flashing a crooked grin at Mariana.
She smirked but didn't reply, instead watching him closely. Her gaze wasn't just curious—it was calculating.
