A soft chuckle echoed beneath the masked helm. "Of course. Brothers alike."
A pause. Then his tone sharpened, laced with a hint of mockery. "But I've also heard whispers… that your brother's strength is nothing but a lie. An illusion, crafted to keep the other empires trembling. Perhaps that is why he didn't come, afraid the truth would be exposed?"
At this, Reynold's eyes flicked sideways, and he exhaled softly. "You didn't call me over just to trade gossip, did you?"
The masked man tilted his head slightly, the faint hum of power radiating from his gauntleted hand. "No. I wanted a spar with your brother to test if the rumors held any weight. Since he is absent, you'll do."
He flexed his fist, and the surrounding air vibrated faintly, as though alive with restrained energy.
