Asher adjusted the straps of his training gloves in the dim light of his tent, his mind focused on the challenges ahead.
The stranger's presence in his tent was imposing, his eyes gleaming with a mixture of curiosity and calculation. "You're Asher, I presume," he said, his voice smooth but laced with an undertone of challenge. "I'm one of the contenders in the tournament."
Asher glanced up, unimpressed. He remained seated, his tone cool as he replied, "If you're here to size me up or deliver some cryptic warning, don't bother. I'm not interested."
The man raised a brow, seemingly amused by Asher's indifference. "Fair enough," he said with a shrug. "I just thought it would be polite to introduce myself. Best of luck out there." With that, the stranger turned and left, his presence lingering in the tent like a shadow.
The sun blazed down on the arena as the tournament began.
