Breaking the Rules, Changing the Game

Arthur's gaze wandered across the arena, taking in the runic barrier meant to shield the audience. It wasn't active yet, and already, he could spot the imperfections, the way some of the symbols were crooked, less effective, distinguishing the slight misalignment in the engravings.

He smirked. 'Sloppy.'

Without another glance, he turned and walked off the ring.

Melite was waiting for him, arms crossed, eyes flicking between him and the roaring crowd. Her expression was pretty neutral, but Arthur caught the flicker of something beneath it—satisfaction, maybe.

"We've got their attention now." He murmured.

She hummed in agreement. "Time to move forward."

The two returned to the clerk's booth, where the man was already grinning at Melite's return. That grin faltered the moment he spotted Arthur's smug expression behind her.