Rafael did not understand, but Kaden definitely did. "Thanks. That was not necessary, but I appreciate your thoughts and effort. You kept things together and did your part. Now it's time to do mine."
Niera's tense face instantly bloomed with a beautiful smile. She hurriedly walked over and stood on Kaden's side, making no effort to hide whose side she was on.
The next instant, the system notification about the challenge promptly arrived.
[Ding! A challenge has been issued for the ownership of the settlement.]
[Ding! A duel between Kaden and Rafael has been formally initiated.]
[Ding! Victory Conditions: The first to incapacitate or force surrender from the opponent wins.]
Kaden sighed as the system prompts flickered in his vision. "There we go," he muttered. "Finally making it official."