Binding Tressa's powers

After a few seconds of a tense staring competition, Kira stomped her foot and snapped, "Fine... Let's see how long you can keep up that arrogance out there."

Tressa chimed in, "Okay, then let's not waste any more time. We'll see how good you are at this art."

Lea nodded and headed towards the stage, ready to start the match. However, as they reached the stage, Alisha called out to them, "Wait a second."

Alisha walked to the right side of the stage, where a door was located. She placed her hand on a scanner for identification. The door opened, and she disappeared inside, returning five minutes later.

Confused, Lea asked, "What happened, Alisha?"

Alisha shook her head. "Nothing," she said, then turned to Tressa. "As you've agreed not to use your power during the fight, let's just bind it until the match is over." Alisha lifted her hand, revealing a black bangle with golden ancient letters carved into it.

Tressa's eyes widened in shock when she saw the bangle. Alisha smiled sarcastically and asked, "What are you waiting for? Put on the bangle."

Tressa looked Alisha in the eye, putting on a hurt expression. "Why did you have to bring out this special artifact for a simple match? Don't you trust me?"

"It's not about trust, Tressa. I'm really worried about both you and Lea. She's our guest, and it's our duty to ensure her well-being. If you accidentally hurt her with your power during the fight, I don't want anyone blaming you for bullying the weak. So just put on the bangle. We can remove it after the fight."

Grinding her teeth in anger, Tressa extended her hand to Alisha. She had planned to leave a scar on Lea's face with her powers during the fight, but her plan was spoiled. She thought to herself, "Even without my powers, my strength and fighting technique are enough to hurt this human. It's just a pity I can't leave a permanent mark."

Once the bangle was on, both Tressa and Lea selected swords and stepped onto the stage.

Below the stage, the group watched tensely. Despite agreeing to let Lea fight, they couldn't help but worry about her well-being.

"Don't worry, she'll be fine," Alisha said calmly as she rejoined the group.

"How can you say that? Lea might know sword fighting, but the difference in strength between a human and a dragon warrior is too great," Ria asked, agitated.

"Yes, it is, but I trust Lea. If she thinks she can win, then she surely can," Alisha replied confidently. "And I made Tressa wear the bangle to ensure there's no foul play. So relax and watch how the match goes."

At the same time in the flower garden, Sapphire was walking around with Alina, who had woken her up early that morning to show her around the palace. Sapphire had been reluctant at first but couldn't say no to the young girl when she saw Alina's pleading, puppy-like expression.

"Sister Sapphire, do you think I can find a nice dragon friend like you as my familiar?"

"You haven't contracted a dragon yet?" Sapphire asked, surprised as every dragon warrior typically contracts a familiar by the age of ten.

"It's not that I haven't had the opportunity to sign a contract with a dragon. It's just that I haven't found one that feels right for me. It's just…" Alina trailed off.

Sapphire sighed and placed a comforting hand on Alina's shoulder. "Don't worry, you'll find the right familiar. If I get the chance, I'll introduce you to my cousins. You can see if you can form a soul bond like mine and my master's."

"Really?" Alina's eyes sparkled with hope.

Sapphire nodded with a smile. Alina hugged her tightly, saying, "Thank you so much, sister Sapphire."

Sapphire hugged the young girl back but at that moment she noticed a few people running hurriedly. "Why are they running like that?"

Alina looked back. "I don't know… come on, let's ask someone."