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"Hey, Headmage! We caught your guy! You know what that means..." Grim exclaimed excitedly, pointing triumphantly at Crowley. "Time to cough up the reward you promised!"
Crowley's mask tilted down at Grim inquisitively. "What? Ohhh... I did promise you that, didn't I? But it's far too late. The tournament brackets have already been announced. What to do...?"
My eye began to twitch as I clenched my fist. "Oh hell no. I did not work my ass off trying to figure out who your culprit was, and in the process got my ass handed to me by Leona... kinda. Only for you to decline! How the hell do you even have a proper lineup?! There are seven teams! It's uneven numbers!"
Fueled by fury, Grim attacked the Headmage by biting his pristine shoes. "You lowdown, double-dealin' snake! Flames of vengeance shall consume you, you hear?"
Crowley, trying to diffuse the situation while flinging Grim off his shoe, sighed. "Hold your fire, Grim! How about we turn this drama into a spectacle? Picture this—a dazzling exhibition match before the tournament itself."
Intrigued but skeptical, Grim questioned, "Exhibition, you say? Make it worth my while, and I might just play along. I want the world watchin' as I crush my foes!"
Crowley, with a sly smile, responded, "Exactly! You'll be the star attraction, the center of attention. Scouts will be banging down your door after they witness your prowess on the screen."
"Don't give in to his temptation, Grim! He's offering us less than what we were promised!" I told the cat as I glared at the Headmage.
Grim, liking the idea, declared, "Well, if I'm stealing the spotlight, count me in. Let the world witness my magnificence!"
"Grim, sweetheart. You just..." I found myself momentarily speechless, a reassuring hand placed gently on my shoulder—causing me to turn and see Deuce to my right and Ace to my left just chilling. Sighing, I decided to play along, "...How many members per team?"
Crowley, deep in thought, mused, "Seven. As for teammates, we'll find some willing faculty members for the opposing team. It's a show, after all—let's make it unforgettable!"
Grim, skeptical and frustrated, exclaimed, "Myah?! You haven't given this any thought at all!"
"It's Crowley, bro. How are you shocked?" I remarked with a sigh.
Ace, ever ready for action, chimed in, "Hey, so, couldn't help overhearing..."
Deuce, loyal and supportive, added, "If you need some teammates, we could help you out."
Grim shot Ace a skeptical glance. "And what could you possibly bring to the table?"
Ace grinned confidently, "Well, aside from my dazzling good looks, I've got skills that'll make your whiskers stand on end."
