UNDERESTIMATED

As soon as Seraphine announced the start of the final phase, the tension in the coliseum reached its peak. The crowd buzzed with anticipation, waiting for the first move. They didn't have to wait long.

Dale Troy, with his dual blades resting on his shoulders, stepped forward confidently, his Stormfell insignia gleaming under the sunlight. His casual, almost lazy smirk didn't hide the predatory glint in his eyes as he issued his challenge.

"I'll go first! And I choose… you!"

He pointed directly at Charlotte Stark, the humongous shield strapped to her back making her stand out among the qualifiers.

A wave of murmurs swept through the crowd.

"He's going for Charlotte right away? Isn't that a bit underhanded?"

"Maybe he thinks she's the weakest link."