The Elder stepped back, his staff striking the stone floor once. The runes carved into the arena's perimeter flared to life, pulsing with a deep, amber light. The air around Adam and Drizt grew heavy, thick with the weight of suppressed mana.
Adam's internal voice was cool, weighing the situation with practiced ease.
'So the runes are working. I can feel it—my mana is locked away. Even my regeneration feels slower. This is... actually impressive.'
Drizt's voice cut through the haze of Adam's observation, sharp and laced with arrogance.
"What's wrong? Is this your first time having your power suppressed? Scared without your flames and claws?"
Adam's gaze drifted back to Drizt, his expression calm, almost amused.
"Hard to be afraid of something so fascinating. Your people's rune work is remarkable. I've never felt anything quite like it."
Drizt's eyes narrowed. He took a step forward, adjusting his stance, his dagger held low and ready.
