"Oh joy, another clever one," Ear‑bleed Guy drawled. The ground around him remained glowing, indicating he hadn't ruled out a confrontation. "I preferred the last iteration."It was a rude welcome, but still better than Dusk's dead, unblinking stare. For some reason, Cal got the sense that the man's manifestation was meant to kill him. Which was silly."No one asked you," Female-him replied heatedly before continuing in a softer tone. "Or me."Cal ignored their byplay, more concerned with 'Cleo,' the girl who demanded a coin from him. Not because he suddenly saw her as a threat. No, it was because she'd reached the arena wall and was currently on her third attempt at scaling it.The woman's arms and legs flailed uselessly as she scrambled up the smooth surface, managing less than a meter before sliding back down in a helpless sprawl.She either had important connections or had a uniquely useful ability. Cal couldn't see another reason they would tolerate such a ridiculous character. A distant third possibility was that she served as their pet mascot."That was enlightening," Miss Plusier said with a knowing, if slightly strained, smile. "Dusky Dearie, any further complaints? Or has your curiosity been sated?"The man's attention reluctantly shifted to the woman, sharing a deep look. Cal wasn't sure if he missed anything, but the shadows blocking the tunnel receded."For practical considerations, I shall limit myself to one more question," Dusk said, gathering magic into another orb. "I will give you the same opportunity as before. Depart in peace, or stay and be tested."The manifestation appeared mostly similar to the prior one, but Cal could detect slight variations in its structure. Its power had also gone up a notch, but it wasn't anything extreme."Fire away," Cal said openly, leaving his shell deactivated. "Just don't give me a riddle. I'm bad at those."Truly, he was a master of deception. (...)