BADOOM!
Cutting him off, a blinding flash of red light exploded across the sands. The earth shuddered beneath the force, sending ripples of dust and heat across the arena. The shockwave rippled outward, knocking the arbiter back as flames burst from the impact point.
Gasps erupted from the stands. Some screamed, others shielded their eyes as the brilliance seared through the air.
When the dust began to clear, the arena floor was scorched black — and at the center of that burning crater, a figure stood silhouetted against the crimson glow.
The crowd went still.
For a heartbeat, no one breathed.
And then—
"SEPTIMIUS!!!"
The cry rose again, louder than before, shaking the very heavens.
When the blinding crimson light finally faded, a single figure stood at its heart — Nathan, shrouded in a haze of drifting embers.
