**[EAST DISTRICT ARENA – QUARTERFINALS]**
**"BEGIN!"**
Lyssa didn't charge immediately.
Instead, she circled Alex slowly—spear and shield in position, eyes sharp, studying every detail.
The Griffin did the same—circling above, golden wings catching the light, tracking each movement with predatory focus.
Alex kept his guard up and waited.
*First move always tells you a lot about your opponent.*
Then Lyssa attacked—not a wild throw, but a controlled thrust, testing his defenses.
Alex blocked with his sword and deflected.
She pulled the spear back immediately, shield rising, already anticipating a counter.
*Smart. Disciplined.*
He countered anyway—a quick strike she blocked without effort.
But that wasn't the point. It was about *measuring*.
Her speed. Her reflexes. Her experience.
And what he found made him smile beneath his hood.
She was good.
*Really* good.
