"You want a friendly battle between the recruits of Thunder Monarch Hall and the Great Ruler Empire, then you can have it." Lyra's voice rang out clear and proud as she smiled, her gaze unwavering as she faced Travis and the elders behind him.
"Choose the rules for the battles." Her voice wasn't loud, but it carried authority that silenced the buzzing whispers across the grand arena.
Travis' eyes narrowed for a split second, clearly not expecting Lyra to agree so easily. For a moment, he suspected a trap. But then he reminded himself of their goal—it didn't matter how or when she accepted. She had agreed, and that was all that mattered.
"Good," Travis said, his tone slick with confidence as he crossed his arms. "Then the format is simple. We will each send five members from our new recruits. The battles will be one-on-one. The side with the most victories—wins. No tricks. No excuses."
