As the heavy footsteps drew nearer, Rex could finally make out the hulking silhouette of the Khryssari Champion emerging from the swirling sands. The creature's green-glowing eyes narrowed with cruel delight as he stopped just out of reach.
"Kukuku... this inferior being turned out to be far more entertaining than I expected. He has my praise," the champion sneered before casually tossing Carlos's limp body to the ground in front of Rex.
Rex's heart lurched. Carlos lay sprawled in the sand, his helmet cracked, one arm missing, blood staining his battered armor. "Carlos!" he choked, rage and horror flooding his voice.
"Focus, Rex!" Cleo's voice rang in his ear, sharp and steady. "He's still alive. But if you want him to stay that way, you need to finish this. Now."