Rhys tightened his grip on his sword.
"Fine. If it's a fight you want, I won't back down."
Caria stepped forward immediately.
"Hold on—if he's level 12 in the global rankings, shouldn't I go first? I've been itching to punch someone strong."
Solbrand shook his head.
"No. This is between me and the boy with the Ancient."
Lyra clicked her tongue.
"Of course it is."
Aqua grabbed Rhys's sleeve.
"Master… you don't have to fight him."
Puddle stood in front of Rhys with tiny clenched fists.
"Bad sun man no take Puddle!"
Solbrand raised an eyebrow.
"…Adorable, but irrelevant."
Rhys stepped past them and stood a few meters away from Solbrand.
"All I need to do," he said calmly, "is show you I'm not weak."
Solbrand nodded once.
"That's it. Show me your worth."
Sophia whispered to the group, "Don't interrupt. Strong players get offended if you jump into their personal duel."
Aria nodded.
"But be ready to heal him the moment it's over."
Caria grinned.
