Shelly scowled, gripping her staff tightly. She wasn't reckless—she knew Asger was stronger than her, but that didn't mean she was going to back down.
Her mind raced, analyzing her options. If I can't overpower him, then I'll have to outmaneuver him.
She shifted her stance, preparing to strike. If I use a combination of wind and illusion magic, I can make an opening—
BZZZT.
A strange sound reverberated through the dungeon.
Then, a sudden booming announcement echoed over the entire dungeon.
[Attention all participants. Due to special circumstances, the tournament has been canceled. All students are to return immediately.]
Silence.
For a few seconds, no one moved. Then murmurs began to rise from all around as the students—who had been scattered across the dungeon—processed what had just been said.
Shelly's grip loosened slightly.
"What…?"
Liam frowned. He had expected something like this, but not so suddenly.
Asger sighed.
"And just when things were getting interesting."
