The Dark Elf arena was alive with energy. The circular stone structure, carved into the heart of the underground cavern, was packed with villagers. Their cheers echoed off the walls, a mixture of excitement and anticipation that seemed to vibrate through the very stone.
Adam stood at the center of the arena, wearing only a pair of simple trousers. His torso was bare, revealing the lean, powerful muscles beneath his pale skin—muscle and runes visible across his body. The runes glowed faintly on his chest and arms, marking him as the challenger bound by the duel's rules. If he so much as channeled a spark of mana, they would flare and disqualify him instantly.
Adam's focus narrowed, pushing out the noise of the crowd.
'They really put runes on me. They probably don't trust their own suppression magic to hold a dragon. Can't blame them, though. But even without my powers... I can still beat him.'
