Frank's boots dug into the mossy dirt as he activated his internal trade boost. Heat surged through his system. Eyes locked. Breath steady.
Zaruun raised his gleaming blade toward the sky—then plunged it into the ground.
Frank blinked.
The earth didn't shake. No aura attack followed.
Instead, a hum pulsed out from the sword like a ripple in reality.
> [DUEL-TRADE INITIATED]
[Challenge Type: Mutual Exchange | Style: Honor-Class | Tier: Consequence-Level]
[Goal: Out-value your opponent in a three-round trade match. All terms are binding.]
Frank stared at the system prompt. Then at Zaruun.
"Wait. This isn't a fight?"
Zaruun stepped back from the sword, folding his arms. "This is a fight."
"With... spreadsheets?"
Zaruun frowned. "Trade is combat. Without swords. Without blood. Only strength of value. Influence. Timing."
