Tuka was well and truly put on the spot. The remark about "acting like a man," combined with the crowd's focused stares, left him in a bind.
He inwardly regretted his impulsive outburst and felt a prickle of unease at Kurudo's confidence, but for now, he could only grit his teeth and see it through.
"Fine, I'll take that bet! Five hours! Kurudo, you'd better get your Time Tower hours ready!"
"It's a deal!" Kurudo's eyes crinkled into a smile.
And so, the focus of the crowd was no longer just the sealed tower doors. Now, there was the added entertainment of watching a show unfold.
The onlookers murmured amongst themselves, discussing Li Wen's monstrous exploits as they waited for the outcome.
Their gazes darted back and forth between Tuka, Kurudo, and the motionless tower doors.
Time slipped by quietly, and another hour passed.
The tower doors remained sealed shut.
「Inside the Time Tower.」
