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.