The atmosphere was electric as the final hour approached. The arena, now mended to perfection, gleamed under the golden rays of the setting sun.
The stands were packed, every seat filled with eager spectators whispering about the coming battle. The audience's chatter stilled, however, as Aurelius and Adrian stepped into the arena, their steps deliberate, their presence commanding silence.
The two stood face to face in the center, the world around them falling away.
No words were exchanged, none were needed.
Their gazes locked—Aurelius's silver eyes blazing with determination and Adrian's cool, deep brown gaze sharp and assessing. It was a clash of wills before the clash of bodies, a silent promise of the storm to come.
The announcer, standing on a floating platform high above, raised his hands, his voice amplified to a deafening roar.