I led the way through the bustling festival crowds, the massive, towering stone arches of the Academy's primary combat stadium looming ahead of them.
The sheer scale of the colosseum was breathtaking, built from white marble and reinforced with thousands of glowing, heavy-duty protective runes.
"Alright, ten silver coins says the guy with the heavy broadsword in the next match goes down in under two minutes,"
Kyle declared, practically bouncing on his heels as we climbed the grand stone staircases. He bumped his shoulder against Tobias.
"Come on, Toby. Put your money where your massive intellect is."
Tobias sidestepped, adjusting his wire-rimmed glasses with a look of profound, scholarly disdain.
"I do not partake in primitive games of chance, Kyle. Gambling is a statistical trap designed for fools."
"I'll take that action!" Sira chimed in instantly, digging into her leather pouch and pulling out ten silver coins. She shoved them directly into Tobias's hands.
