The heat was unbearable. Charles panted inside the circle of fire, feeling the flames licking his skin, burning his arms and face. Each breath felt like swallowing boiling air, and the pain was so intense he could barely think. His robe, already soaked from the rain, was singed at the edges, and the smell of burnt fabric mixed with the steam rising from the ground.
'Shit...' he thought, gritting his teeth. 'This hurts like hell.'
The fire not only burned his skin but seemed to be consuming his energy. The blue system tab suddenly appeared in his vision, with an urgent message flashing in red.
[Warning: Life in critical danger. Current HP: 10/100. Estimated drop: 1 HP per second. Immediate action recommended.]
Charles groaned, feeling panic rise in his chest.
'Damn Syris!' he thought, squinting his eyes as he watched the summoner through the flames.
