The underground arena had not settled since Black Raven's stunning victory.
Conversations echoed through every corridor.
Gamblers frantically rewrote the odds.
Merchants argued over whether the mysterious masked swordswoman was a vampire, a demon noble, or a wandering sword saint in disguise.
No one knew.
That only made her more fascinating.
"Did you see how she defeated Gormak?"
"She broke his balance instead of overpowering him."
"She barely used any mana."
"Who trained her?"
The chants began again.
"BLACK RAVEN!"
"BLACK RAVEN!"
"BLACK RAVEN!"
Back in the waiting chamber, Luna sat quietly with her eyes closed, paying no attention to the excitement surrounding her.
Her breathing remained slow.
Even.
Controlled.
The noise outside might as well have belonged to another world.
Inside her mind echoed only one voice.
"Victory is not permission to become careless."
Orpheus' lessons.
"Every opponent deserves respect."
