The moment Creed stepped onto the arena's smooth surface, the badges on both their chests pulsed, chiming in cold, mechanical unison.
[Challenge for the Throne has begun!]
A faint crimson glow enveloped the arena, sealing them inside a circular domain surrounded by ghostly murals depicting forgotten gods and champions.
The timer hovered behind Nicholas, ticking down a glowing countdown that read:
5:01… 5:00…
There were no words exchanged. Creed's gaze was locked, predatory and composed. Nicholas, standing relaxed yet alert, responded with a slight smirk.
He knew he had the advantage. The artifact embedded in his glove pulsed, its predictive edge humming at full capacity.
Creed didn't need to know how it worked. He could feel it. Nicholas was somehow half a second ahead.
But Creed didn't hesitate. There was no time for hesitation!
Bang!
His spear domain exploded outward in a pulse of red, expanding like a tide across the arena and warping the space within.
