"Hahahaha," Jack broke into wild laughter, his voice ringing across the stage like the howl of a mad beast. His eyes gleamed with a manic light as he shook his head, an eerie grin stretching across his face.
"And they call me the mad one?" he sneered.
Pointing his sword at Asha, he exhaled deeply, his voice tinged with dark amusement. "You should prepare your defenses well for what I'm about to do. Even I don't like using this… but since I'm up against you, I've decided to give myself a little 'me' time."
The air around him trembled, his aura twisting into something far more sinister.
But before he could go any further—
"Jack!"
A loud voice echoed from one of the towering pillars.
"Either give up or don't use that."
Crown Prince Aelric's voice was firm, carrying a weight of authority that silenced even the murmuring crowd. His usual composed expression darkened, his sharp gaze locking onto Jack like an unmovable decree.