Today, the quota for my family's arena is probably Aether's.
Adam Stormjade sighed as he watched the battle unfolding on the stone platform. His expression carried a mixture of pride and helplessness.
Why was he sighing? Because if nobody completed their challenge in time, the slot would naturally fall to his Stormjade family. But Aether—this masked cultivator who had appeared out of nowhere—had the strength to take it and leave them empty-handed.
The rules were fair. Whoever could endure to the end earned their qualification. Opportunity was given equally. If one couldn't seize it, no one else was to blame.
Still, it left a sour taste.
He looked toward his daughter and suddenly, a thought stirred in his heart—a faint idea that could turn this unexpected loss into a connection worth keeping.
On the stage, Luna, burning with pride and anger, reengaged her opponent.
