12

The crowd boos you, but that's what you wanted.

"Then when I'm done with you, I'll throw you out myself, and I'd better never see you come back." He shakes his head.

The owner walks straight into the middle of the ring with the biggest grin you've seen from him all night. He looks at you, then to your opponent, then out at the crowd.

"Well, everyone, looks like it's time for the fight everyone's been waiting for! The toughest feller in here, otherwise known as Number One, is up against newcomer Candleshaper!

"Will the newest fighter in the circuit finally break Number One's newcomer win streak, or will Number One still be undefeated by every newcomer that has ever come in here? We're about to find out! Let's get this rodeo started, partner!"

He hurries off the stage, and you and Number One both take a single step forward at the same time, and then he breaks out into a run at you. He definitely wants to get this started fast, unlike your previous two opponents! It would probably be best not to try and overpower him with all that momentum he has unless you're very confident in your strength. But if you do manage to overpower him, well, this match probably won't take too long. It's the most risky choice yet the one with the highest reward.

What will you do?