Bab 284: A Champion's Heart: Rio's Unwillingness to Surrender

The atmosphere in the arena buzzed with excitement as Nyla and Rio, both wearing their face veil and mask, walked toward the center. The earth beneath their feet vibrated from the stomping and cheering of the audience, the air thick with thrill.

The duo stood facing each other, only twenty meters apart, their loving gazes locked, and the tension in the air nearly tangible as the murmur of the crowd grew louder.

The referee was about to arrive to commence their battle when Nyla unexpectedly broke the silence.

"I want to forfeit the battle," she declared, her voice echoing through the arena. A hush fell over the crowd, their astonishment evident.

Rio had been considering the same course of action, but the magenta-haired beauty beat him to it. Caught off guard, he looked at her with a hint of coldness, but she just offered him a warm, sweet smile.