Time limit

Elius didn't reply.

He simply narrowed his eyes and sent all five swords spinning at once toward the beast's neck, attempting a coordinated, devastating strike.

WHUM-WHUM-WHUM-WHUM-WHUM!

The air screamed as the swords blurred into silver comets.

The hippopotamus-man grunted, twisting his thick neck at the last second, letting the flat of the swords impact instead of the edge.

A huge shockwave exploded from the impact point, rattling the arena.

Dust and bits of shattered floor tile lifted into the air, swirling around the two fighters.

When the debris settled — the King of Beasts still stood there.

Bruised.

Bleeding slightly from the nose.

But smiling.

A slow, dreadful smile.

"Just wait..." he growled, voice dripping with savage glee. "Just wait till I get my hands on you."

Elius felt a brief twinge of irritation.

He hated arrogance from those who had no right to be arrogant.