Chapter 44: Dragons Roar
The chamber's atmosphere was thick with anticipation as King Tooj locked eyes with Malikar, who held the radiant red gem. As Malikar infused himself with its power, a visible change swept over him. His wounds began to heal rapidly, and he moved with a speed and strength that seemed almost otherworldly. However, for all its immediate benefits, the gem exacted a cruel price. With every surge of power, Malikar's skin began to wrinkle, and his hair turned from its raven-black hue to a snowy white.
Tooj, though momentarily taken aback by Malikar's newfound prowess, swiftly adapted to the tempo of their duel. The two of them darted around the chamber, their movements a blur to any onlooker. With each clash, sparks of magic illuminated the darkness. The king, using his time manipulation, tried to anticipate Malikar's moves, but the speed granted by the gem made prediction challenging.