Kalidorn stood in the center of the arena. He looked at the stands and the preparation area beyond and sneered. "Where is my opponent? Is there no one with the courage to face me?"

    The spectators exchanged nervous glances. Kalidorn''s Storm Hawk let out a sharp screech. Kalidorn looked at them. "Cowards."

    He began to pace in the arena. "Is this the grand tournament I was promised? A contest of champions?"

    He gestured toward the empty preparation gates with a sweeping motion. "And yet, here I stand, unchallenged. Are all of you so weak, so pitiful, that none dare step into the ring with me?"

    The crowd remained silent. They avoided Kalidorn''s eyes as they shrank back into their seats. Kalidorn stopped and slammed his fist against his chestplate. "You fear me and it''s good. Fear is the mark of the weak."

    He turned to the pale announcer, who stood frozen at the edge of the arena. "Announce my victory. If no one will face me, then I''ve already won."

    The announcer hesitated. "M-my lord. Perhaps we should wait a moment longer, in case—"

    Kalidorn looked at him and interrupted him. "In case what? In case another spineless fool decides to embarrass themselves? I will not wait for cowards."

    The announcer swallowed hard and nodded. He raised the mic. "L-ladies and gentlemen. It appears... it appears that no challengers remain for Lord Kalidorn Garran."

    Kalidorn sneered as he crossed his arms. He disdainfully looked over the crowd. "Let this be a lesson to—"

    But before he could finish, a figure suddenly stepped forward from the shadow. No one knew her, as she wore a silver mask and silver robe.

    But they knew that she was a woman, looking at her thin posture and her two mountains.

    The The mysterious figure stopped at the edge of the arena. She looked at Kalidorn and smirked. "So, no one here has the courage to face you, huh?"

    She shook her head in disappointment. "How disappointing. Perhaps... I should change that."

    Kalidorn''s smirk deepened. He unfolded his arms and took a step forward. "Ah, so there is one brave—or foolish—enough to face me after all."

    Kalidorn clenched his fist and tightened his jaw. "You dare mock me?! I''ll show you what it means to face a Garran!"

    He turned toward his 3-Star Storm Hawk. "Electric Glide! Speed up and take to the skies! Use Storm Dive! Tear her apart now!"

    The Storm Hawk screeched in response. Suddenly, it launched itself upwards. Its body shimmered with streaks of lightning.

    Moon remained motionless. Her hand still rested on Loxen''s head. She tilted her head and was amused. "Loxen. You know what to do."

    Loxen didn''t need further instructions. The Panther stepped forward. It locked his gaze on the incoming Storm Hawk.

    Kalidorn only became angrier. He clenched his teeth so tightly it was a wonder they didn''t shatter. "You dare stand there and mock me?! Kill it!"

    His finger pointed toward Loxen in anger. "Tear that miserable creature apart!"

    The Storm Hawk screeched again. Its talons were crackling with arcs of lightning. It dove down toward the panther.

    Loxen remained calm. It looked at the hawk that dove toward it. Moon smirked. "Patience, wait for it..."

    The Storm Hawk was mere meters away. Its talons were outstretched. The crowd held their breath.

    And then, in one fluid motion, Loxen pounced. Its leap was faster than the hawk. It twisted in midair to meet the hawk head-on.

    Its claws shimmered with a faint glow, slicing cleanly through the electric energy that surrounded the Storm Hawk.

    Loxen landed gracefully on the ground moments later. The Storm Hawk, however, floundered in the air, its screech now one of frustration as it struggled to stabilize itself.

    Moon chuckled softly as she watched the scene. She looked at Kalidorn and mocked him. "Was that it? How disappointing."

    Kalidorn became even angrier. He pointed his trembling finger at Moon. "You insolent wretch! I''ll destroy you with my own hands if I must!"

    Moon tilted her head again. She smirked. "Oh, Kalidorn... you can try." Loxen growled beside her. It was ready for the next move.