With this fight over, Phoenix was transported out of the arena, soon to be replaced by the next two players. The arena grounds were also repaired magically, as nothing had happened a few seconds prior.
Phoenix sat back down next to Astaroth, where she had been previously. She turned to look at him.
He was smiling at her like a proud friend. Her heart almost fluttered for a second, before she steadied her emotions.
'He's kinda cute with that smile.' She thought, before clearing her throat.
"Ahem. So… You seem to be in a better mental spot now. Did you enjoy the show?" She asked him, careful to avoid staring into his eyes.
"Yes. That was some fine control of fire you displayed there. Did that extra mana come in handy?" Astaroth said, teasing her.
He was teasing about the fact that he had shown her the method for mana breathing that had helped her in that fight. But she perceived the teasing as something else.