Charles stood in the arena's center, exhaustion weighing on his shoulders like a suit of armor.
'I did it…'
His hands trembled, the pain from his earlier explosions still throbbing in his fingers, and his soaked black tunic clung to his skin.
The victory over Darion Veth had given him an adrenaline rush, but now his body was demanding payment.
He breathed heavily, each inhale scraping his throat.
As Darion limped away, head bowed, the announcer's vibrant voice boomed from the stands, amplified by the resonating artifact.
"Folks, what a spectacle we just witnessed! Rian Cole defeated Darion Veth in a twist no one saw coming! But don't go anywhere, because the night's not over! Rian's next opponent is none other than Syris Kael, the fire master trained by the spirits of the Southern lands! Get ready for a blazing fight!"
The crowd erupted in a deafening roar, some clapping, others chanting Syris's name.
"Let's go!"
"This guy's fighting twice?"
"This is nuts…"
