Why does everyone want me dead?

"I'm not usually one to get my hands dirty like this," Rex murmured, a sly grin spreading across his face as his fists began to glow with pulsating Aether energy, the light casting sharp shadows across his determined features. His voice carried a cool confidence, but his blazing eyes hinted at the fire burning within. "But hey... there's a first time for everything."

Wallen's brow furrowed, a flicker of unease in his otherwise calm demeanor. "Not the type to do what?" he demanded.

Rex raised one glowing fist, waving the other nonchalantly. "Why don't you step up and find out for yourself?" His smirk deepened, taunting and unyielding.

With a grunt, Wallen called forth a blade of pure iron, its gleaming edge catching the faint light. The weapon was unnervingly sharp, shaped like a broadsword but without a hilt—just a deadly expanse of cold steel. Wallen gripped it barehanded, causing Rex's eyebrow to lift in intrigue.