Up in the stands, murmurs began to rise in the crowd.
"Did you see that?! She just swept him like it was nothing!"
"Wasn't that guy from the Rosenthal faction?" another asked.
"I thought he was untouchable. Who is she?"
"Hmm... I think she's courting death."
"Whatever, you know, I think I'm in love."
"What, seriously?"
"..."
"..."
The crowd murmured again, excitement buzzing.
******
The serpent coiled and lashed, flames erupting in its wake, forcing the girl to vault into a roll, landing beside a half-burnt tree.
One dagger flew—
Clink!
Struck a rock where his shoulder had been moments before.
"Close," he called mockingly, "but not close enough."
Suddenly, the girl dropped low—and from the ground erupted a flurry of sharp vines.
She had activated a natural trap using a pressure plate with her foot during her slide.
The vines shot straight for the Flame Serpent's underbelly.
HISSSSK!
Nivex recoiled, flames sputtering from its maw in shock.
She used the opening.
