Horizon's voice softened, though his concern remained clear. "We need you here, Von. Don't let that power take control of you."
Von glanced back, his smirk fading as he met Horizon's gaze. For a brief moment, there was a flicker of something unspoken between them—understanding, trust, and perhaps even fear of what lay dormant within Von's soul.
"I've got this," Von said finally, his voice steady. "I won't let you down."
Satisfied, Horizon stepped back, allowing Von to make his way into the arena. As Von approached his starting position, his opponent was already waiting—a hulking warrior clad in crimson armor, his presence alone radiating dominance. The audience erupted in cheers and jeers, the crowd splitting into factions as they took sides.
The announcer's voice boomed across the stadium, hyping up the battle as the two fighters squared off. Von's opponent cracked his knuckles, his grin wide and cocky.