The Showdown

"Ludwig, are you going up?" Olim called out, his voice carrying across the arena as he stood from his seat among the other teachers. The crowd turned their attention to Ludwig, their murmurs growing louder as they waited for his response.

"I'll be swapping out for now," Ludwig said, shaking his head. He leaned back in his seat, his skeletal frame relaxed but his eyes sharp as he watched the arena.

Kaela, who had been sitting quietly behind him, jumped up from her seat with a determined look on her face. Her battle ax gleamed in the sunlight as she walked confidently into the arena, her boots clicking against the stone floor. The crowd erupted into cheers, their excitement palpable as they anticipated her performance.

Students around Ludwig began murmuring among themselves, their voices a mix of curiosity and confusion. "Why the sudden change?" one student asked, his tone laced with skepticism.