Maiden Versus Sage (5)

For a few agonizing seconds, an impenetrable silence hung in the air, the tension almost palpable. Willow's heart quickened as he wondered if his audacious gamble had failed.

But then, breaking the stillness like a sudden bolt of lightning, the Sage erupted into hearty laughter. It was a sound that resonated with genuine amusement, and it caught Willow off guard. In his meta-knowledge of the game, he had never witnessed the Sage's laughter, animated or recorded.

The Sage's mirthful chuckles filled the arena, a rich and melodious symphony that defied all expectations. "Good! Good!"

"This is exactly how someone as prestigious as the Maiden should be!"

The Sage's laughter, like rolling thunder, reverberated through the coliseum. He slapped his thigh, his amusement unbridled, before gradually reigning it in. When the laughter receded, his blindfolded gaze locked onto Willow, the intensity of his scrutiny unfaltering.