"Are you guys worried about me?" he said, his tone light but proud. "Don't worry, I'll be fine. I'm strong."
Nolan smirked slightly. "You better be."
Tharion nodded once, then turned around, walking toward the back of the arena as his cloak swayed behind him.
Moments later, Kyrion also rose from his seat. He drew his blade from its sheath with a metallic hiss, holding it low by his side as he walked steadily toward the same entrance.
The crowd roared again—two powerful warriors stepping into the light.
The two warriors waited at the back of the arena, standing side by side in tense silence. The crowd outside roared with excitement, their chants echoing through the marble corridors.
"Wow! Kyrion is going to fight Tharion," someone whispered from the stands. "Tharion's deadly smile… he's always smiling, even when he's in pain. That guy is powerful."
"Don't underestimate either of them," another replied. "Both are exceptional."
