Linda walked out of the arena and made her way back toward the stands, heading straight to where Nolan was seated. When Nolan saw her approaching, he stood up immediately.
"Did you see how well she performed?" Linda asked, stepping to the front of the seating area.
"Your performance was incredible," Nolan said, placing a hand on her shoulder.
"Thank you, Master. I'm so delighted to hear that," Linda replied, smiling as she sat down. Nolan returned to his seat.
"Master… were you worried about me? Were you too worried?" she asked.
"If I'm being honest," Nolan said, "I wasn't supernaturally worried. I was concerned, yes, but not too much. You have the ability to slow things down for yourself—you can predict your opponent's moves. That's your strength. The fight I'm truly worried about hasn't happened yet."
"Master… me? You're worried about my fight? Do you think I'm not strong?" Celia asked.
