The First Attack On Demon Fortress

The arcane energy unleashed by Alaric had struck Kenneth with brutal efficiency. It wasn't just a simple magical knockdown; the force had been immense, leaving Kenneth gasping for breath, every muscle in his body screaming in protest. He lay sprawled on the sparring arena floor, his once-confident face contorted in pain. He tried to move, to push himself up, but a searing agony shot through his chest, rendering him immobile.

"Damn it," Kenneth grunted, his voice strained. "What… what was that?" He could feel a cold sweat beading on his forehead. His lungs felt like they were filled with lead, and a sharp, persistent pain radiated from his ribs. 'He… he completely overwhelmed me. I didn't even see most of those spells coming.'

The noble heirs who had been so eager to witness the spar rushed forward, their initial excitement replaced by concern. "Kenneth! Are you alright?" one of them asked, kneeling beside him.