Chapter 73 – Kneel

The arena buzzed with energy, the roar of the crowd blending into a chaotic hum that thrummed in the air like a living thing. My name echoed through the stands, shouted with cheers, jeers, and everything in between. I stepped into the center of the battlefield, my movements calm and unhurried, crimson eyes scanning the arena.

Across from me stood Ralph, his polished armor gleaming under the sunlight. His cocky grin was as forced as the bravado in his stance, but it didn't stop him from puffing out his chest like a rooster in a barnyard. The oversized longsword strapped to his back was clearly meant to intimidate. It didn't.

"Caelum!" Ralph called, his voice carrying above the noise.

"I've been waiting for this." His grin widened, the smugness rolling off him in waves.

"Let's see if that red-eyed freak act of yours holds up in a real fight."