"What?"
"Why am I the first one?"
Liam's face twisted in discomfort, his expression a mix of fear and surprise. He was stunned by the strange, somewhat rude demeanor of the vice-principal; at the same time, he feared being the first to step onto the field. If he made a mistake, would his fate match the shameless warnings of that old man?
Around him, the other contestants began laughing at his distress.
"Go for it! Show those jerks your strength!" James cheered, pumping his fist enthusiastically to encourage Liam.
In truth, Liam didn't overly need that encouragement. He had been through a lot in life. The crystal down there was likely similar to the one he had encountered at the city gates before.
Quickly steadying himself, he nodded to James and Lewis, then stepped down into the arena before the old man could try anything reckless.
Holding his notebook, Soren glanced at Liam and said coldly:
