And here, in Vulkaris, he knew the stakes. This wasn't a battlefield of life and death.
It was a performance.
Vulkaris didn't execute its defeated. Contestants were treated, healed, and often praised for their bravery. So long as one fought with heart and strength, even a loss could win them recognition.
Which made this the perfect stage.
A chance to see what the fire nation's elite were truly capable of, and maybe, to shock the crowd.
He flexed his fingers, watching the way his qi moved under his skin.
Beside him, Feng was still glancing toward the crowd, distracted. "The first matches are about to start," she said. "One of the Chosen will call a name. Sometimes people volunteer to go first, but… usually only lunatics do that."
Her words trailed off as she saw his expression.
"Don't even think about it."
Quinlan said nothing.
