We walked out of the arena and headed back to the seats, taking the nearest ones. Another group was already stepping in, preparing for their turn. Two on each side. One team had a pair of swordsmen, both standing light on their feet. The other had a bowman staying back and a heavy shield user planting himself in front like a wall.
Each of them drove their weapons into the ground, and the same golden barrier rose again, sealing the arena.
"Well, since school's out… I think I'll go visit my mother," Ken said, rolling his shoulder until it gave a satisfying crack. "Wanna come?"
"Nah," I replied. "I've got some stuff I need to take care of."
"Fair enough."
"Oh," I added, gesturing with the dagger in my hand. "Mind if I hold onto this for a bit?"
Ken shrugged as he stood up. "Sure, man. Keep it. I've been meaning to buy a new one anyway."
"Sweet. Thanks."
He reached his arms over his head in a long, lazy stretch. "See ya around, then."
"Yep. See ya."
ꨄ︎ꨄ︎ꨄ︎
