[Ace's POV]
I studied the pyramid of stacked wooden cups. Ovelia's throw had hit the table's side with a solid thump, and the whole structure had shuddered—but it had held. That meant the table was sturdy, likely reinforced or even subtly anchored. Glue alone wouldn't account for that level of stability. The physics were clear: I needed to deliver a single, precisely calculated impact strong enough to topple the entire tower without splintering the table itself.
"Ohh, what's taking you so long to grab a ball?" the stall owner taunted, leaning on his counter with a smug grin. "Are you performing some kind of ritual for good luck? Maybe you should pray to the goddess instead!"
I kept my expression neutral, offering him a calm, tight-lipped smile without saying a word. Let him talk. Losing my temper would only cloud my judgment and amuse him further.
I glanced at Gale, who was standing beside Ovelia. I held out the fairy stuffed toy to him.
