The Rise Of CuteGuy

Sparring

Scar's pov:

I paced nervously around the office, the fluorescent lights casting a harsh, jittery glow on the sterile white walls. My heart raced with each step, echoing the restless rhythm of my thoughts. The anticipation gnawed at me, twisting my stomach into knots.

It had taken weeks of persistent pleading to convince Xisuma to let me spar with this particular civilian. As soon as I mentioned who it was, his demeanor shifted. There was a spark of recognition in his eyes, followed by an unsettling air of cockiness. It was as if he knew the outcome of the fight before it even began, and I had a sinking feeling that he didn't see me as the victor.

Tango was going to be our referee, tasked with ensuring things didn't get too out of hand. Mumbo would be there too, a silent but imposing presence, ready to step in if needed. The weight of the upcoming confrontation pressed down on me, the unknowns swirling in my mind like a brewing storm. The office felt smaller with each passing moment, the walls closing in as I continued my restless pacing.

I didn't honestly know what made me so nervous about this whole confrontation. Maybe it was the fact that we had the entire lower level to ourselves, an arena specifically built for creatures that could fly and archery. It was definitely going to be an intimidating duel. I didn't have normal-tipped arrows; mine were cushioned, designed to minimize harm while still potentially throwing him off balance.

I chewed on my nail as I continued to pace. The whole thing was supposed to go down in three hours, and I was seriously considering backing out. The news had spread quickly around the Heroes Association, and I knew there was going to be a huge audience. Normally, performing in front of my peers wouldn't be a big deal, but if I got beaten by a civilian... my reputation as the number one hero might be tarnished within the company.

I tried to shake off the anxiety as I noticed how close it was getting to the fight. The clock's relentless ticking only heightened my nerves, and the temptation to back out grew stronger with each passing minute. I didn't know what Grian was capable of, and the uncertainty gnawed at me.

"Why had Xisuma even agreed? Why did I want to do this again? Oh yeah. To build a reputation with him and let him know he can trust me... Maybe I can figure out a different way? No, no, that'll disappoint everyone. I don't know why they're so excited."

Dressed in my Hot Guy outfit, I was ready to go as soon as the time struck, but those thoughts swirled in my head as I made my way down to the lowest level we could go. The elevator ride felt interminable, each floor passing by with a soft ding that only heightened my sense of anticipation. I took a deep breath and tried to regain my composure, forcing myself to stand tall and steady, trying not to look shaky or scared. The fluorescent lights overhead flickered slightly, casting uneasy shadows that mirrored my inner turmoil.

As the elevator doors slid open with a soft whoosh, the cavernous arena lay before me, an expanse of space filled with possibilities and unknowns. The air was cool and carried a faint echo of distant voices, the sounds of a gathering audience. This was it. No turning back. With one final deep breath, I stepped out, ready to face Grian and whatever came next.

The underground arena was an architectural marvel, a vast expanse with high ceilings that seemed to stretch into infinity. The space was designed with an intricate network of hideaways, perfect for someone with the ability to fly to tuck away in, waiting for the opportune moment to strike.

The walls were dotted with small alcoves and ledges, some barely visible from the ground, creating a labyrinthine environment where one could disappear in an instant. These elevated nooks offered strategic vantage points, allowing for sudden aerial maneuvers and surprise attacks.