Arin couldn't help but grin.
The Ice Mage, that big shot from the Blue Tower, was brooding with pure frustration.
This so-called rising star, this prodigal magic user, had just been taken down by a nobody assassin.
Arin glanced over at Ragna.
Her sadness was gone.
Now, a bright smile lit up her pretty face.
One would never guess she'd just faced a tough, embarrassing defeat moments ago.
Arin pulled Ragna into a hug.
"Congrats," she told him, her smile turned into a serious expression, "But don't go thinkin' ya won the war yet. Tomorrow's another brawl, so keep yer guard up!"
Arin gently patted her cheek, "Don't worry," he said confidently, "I'll make him regret even holding a weapon against me!"
Lord Hawthorne was there today, too.
He offered Arin his congratulations on the stunning victory.
He also praised Ragna for her brave fight.
Making it to the semifinals was a big achievement, not something to dismiss.
