The young man followed Samantha with fear. He had just realised he had done something stupid. Why in the world would he challenge that woman? It was clear she had enough power to hurt him...
And, even if she didn't, Renato would kill him!
He had changed his mind and was desperately looking for a way out. He could lose with the first blow. That seemed the safest option. He wouldn't lose his face by admitting he talked too much. And he wouldn't suffer for too long, either. He was going to let her hit him once and then play dead.
He couldn't see the other young men getting ready for their challenge soon after him. However, Samantha did notice.
«You go first,» she said. «I'll let you attack first.»