"It's the first death in the tournament... isn't it?"
I whispered while still staring at the corpse lying in the arena.
"Yes."
The Ice Lord answered calmly.
"The rules are clear... victory comes either through your opponent's surrender or their death."
Then he added in a colder tone:
"But if your opponent declares surrender... you are obligated not to kill them. If you do, you'll be disqualified and put on trial."
I lowered my gaze for a few moments.
"Yes..."
I said quietly.
"She should've been smarter."
I let out a light sigh.
"If you can't win... then it's better to withdraw. A Lord's life is the most valuable thing they possess."
Even so...
A trace of discomfort...
Remained stuck inside me.
I looked at the blood spread across the arena floor.
Then whispered inwardly:
"Are you bringing back memories?"
I closed my eyes briefly.
No...
This wasn't the time.
This world had no mercy for the weak.
