The light in Rikta's studio felt hotter now.
Same bulbs. Same setup. But the air had shifted. Not thick. Not dangerous. Just… tighter.
He leaned forward in his chair, hands resting flat on the desk. The camera was already rolling, Vesh was counting down silently from three behind the screen, but Rikta didn't wait for zero.
He started talking at two.
"What's up, everyone. Rikta here."
His voice dropped just half a tone. Cool. Controlled. Still sharp.
"I got your message."
He didn't look at the camera directly. Just past it. Casual. Like this was any other fight announcement.
"I don't know who you are, where you train, or what your rank is. Doesn't matter."
He leaned in a little more. Just enough to make the shot feel close.
"You want a duel? You've got it."
He held his breath for one beat. Let the silence hit.
"Public cage. Two days. You pick the field. Doesn't matter to me. I'll bring the stream. I'll bring the crowd. You bring that attitude."
