The cheers in the arena grew to a fever pitch as the barrier sealed the fighting grounds in the shape of a dome. Unlike before, the strength of the barrier had been increased, ensuring that no one could intervene until one of the princes had fallen.
The crowd's energy was palpable, vibrating through the stands as the start of the battle approached. The deafening sound of a blaring horn echoed across the arena, signaling the beginning of the fight.
Instantly, Valerie unsheathed twin sleek sabers from his sides with a dramatic flourish, drawing wild cheers from his supporters. The blades gleamed in the arena's light, lethal and sharp, ready to taste blood.
On the opposite side, Aldric kept his double-edged paragon sword close to his body, his stance calm but deadly, his eyes locked on Valerie. Both their weapons were forged in silver, shimmered in silver, crafted specifically for killing in this high-stakes duel.