The arena had barely settled after the previous match when Shadow turned toward the exit, ready to move on without wasting a second. The noise of the crowd still lingered in the air, a restless energy that refused to die down.
Before he could take another step, movement from the audience broke the rhythm.
A small figure climbed down into the arena.
At first, it drew confused murmurs, then curiosity, and finally a rising wave of excitement. It was a girl, no older than eleven, her presence almost out of place in a stage that had just witnessed brutal combat. Yet the way she walked forward carried no hesitation, only determination that felt oddly steady for someone her age.
She stopped a few steps away from him.
"Do you accept my challenge?"
A system notification appeared in front of Shadow, simple and direct, offering him the choice. Accept or decline.
There was no pause.
He selected yes.
