Chapter 27: Flames of Rivalry
As Jason announced the names, "Zara Caeser versus Alex Kubult! Get on stage!"
A murmur spread through the crowd.
Alex, basking in the admiration of several noble students nearby, smirked smugly. With exaggerated confidence, he turned to look at Zara.
Catching her gaze, he raised his hand dramatically and drew a thumb across his neck—a silent gesture of you’re done for.
A few students laughed at the display, fueling his ego even further.
Zara, unfazed, simply raised an eyebrow and tilted her head, silently asking, Is that supposed to scare me?
Her calm reaction only made Alex scowl.
Zara and Alex stepped onto the stage, facing each other as the crowd stirred with excitement.
Behind them, Mia bounced in place, punching the air with exaggerated swings.
"Go Zara! Beat that bastard! Beat him so hard he won’t even remember how to get up again!" she shouted, her voice echoing across the training hall.
Elira, standing beside her, chuckled and gave Mia a sideways glance. "What’s your deal with Alex? Did he do something to you?"