Panther returned from the reporting room to the battlefield.
Alice was already standing there, quietly looking at him. Her golden hair shimmered under the lights, and the calm flow of mana around her gave her an almost angelic presence.
Panther drew his sword, excitement rising in his chest.
Finally… a proper fight.
"Battle… begin!" the mic announced.
Panther took a step forward, his blood heating up, anticipation flooding his senses. This was the moment he loved—the clash, the pressure, the thrill of battle.
Alice moved.
Not to attack.
She raised her hands calmly.
"I withdraw."
Panther froze
"…What?"
For a moment, the entire arena went silent.
Then confusion spread through the crowd.
"Did she just quit?"
"Why?"
"What happened?"
Some ordinary spectators whispered among themselves.
"Was it his pressure?"
"His gaze looked scary…"
"What strong presence!"
"Panther! Panther!"
"I'm your fan!"
The cheers came suddenly, awkward and misplaced.
Panther stood there, sword still half-raised, disbelief written all over his face.
He glanced toward Luoice and Eve.
Luoice was laughing while eve was cheering for him.
"Winner—Panther!" the mic announced.
After the winner was declared, Panther slowly turned and began walking toward the reporting room.
Cheers erupted from one side of the arena.
"Panther!"
"That guy won without even swinging!"
"So cool!"
He ignored the noise and continued forward, his thoughts tangled with confusion and disappointment.
"Next battle—Zane versus Axon!" the mic announced.
Just as Panther was about to enter the reporting room, a voice called out behind him.
"Hey… Panther."
He stopped.
Who?
The voice was unfamiliar.
Panther turned slowly.
It was Alice.
She stood there nervously, fingers clenched together, avoiding his eyes. "I'm sorry… if I disappointed you. I—I'm not a fighter like you guys."
Panther frowned slightly. "Aren't you a blessed one?"
She lifted her head, pride flickering in her eyes. "Yes. But....My blessed ability is healing."
"Healing?" Panther repeated.
"I can heal people," Alice said softly. "But I can't harm anyone."
Panther looked into her eyes for a moment.
"You look beautiful when you're closer—"
"…What?" Alice asked, confused.
He coughed awkwardly. "I mean— it's okay. Healing is cool. You don't have to apologize."
Alice's expression brightened immediately, relief washing over her face.
Suddenly—
A sharp killing intent swept through the air.
Alice froze on the spot.
Panther's expression hardened as he looked to the side.
One of the next participants was walking past them—Zane.
He was larger than an average man, his body built like solid stone. A massive hammer rested on his shoulder. His cold eyes briefly locked onto Panther's.
Heavy. Dangerous.
Zane said nothing. He simply walked past them and stepped onto the battlefield.
"…Scary guy," Panther muttered.
Alice exhaled slowly. "Yeah…"
After a brief silence, Panther asked, "Then why did they even let you participate?"
"I don't know," Alice replied. "They said everyone must participate… but we're allowed to withdraw during the battle."
The roar of the crowd rose again as Zane and Axon's fight began. The sound of metal crashing echoed across the arena.
Panther glanced toward the battlefield. "Let's watch the match."
Alice hesitated. "Can I come with you?"
"Of course," Panther replied without hesitation.
The two walked back toward their seats together as the battle raged on