The Fourth Layer's streets had gone still.
The crowd of bronze-ranked Dhrokari youths stood arrayed across the street like a living barricade. Dust curled faintly at their feet, stirred by the hum of Mana and ego.
Their leader---the same short girl that dual-wielded daggers---stepped forward. Her tone came sharp and practiced, too polished for her age.
"It it true? The Chieftain himself took you under his tutelage?"
I said nothing.
The murmur rolled through the onlookers like wind over sand.
"Word travels quickly," she continued. "They say the Outsider trained in the Courtyard of Tenacity… under Intisak's own supervision."
She smiled, "A rare honor. One many of us have spent years chasing."
A few others barked low laughs.
"I'll issue my challenge here. My wager---your position as disciple. If you lose, you forfeit the right to stand beside our Chieftain."
