[Soul Reap]
Not killing. The rules forbade that.
But draining.
The scythe touched Aurum's chest, and pale green energy began flowing from the dragon into Grim.
Not HP this time. Something more fundamental.
Life force itself.
[Aurum Life Force: 100% → 70% → 40%...]
The dragon whimpered—a sound no dragon should ever make. His golden eyes dimmed. The scales lost their luster.
At 20% life force, Aurum simply... shut down. Not dead. But unconscious, complete system shutdown to prevent permanent damage.
[Aurum: Incapacitated]
Marcus stared at his fallen companion.
"No," he whispered. "This... this can't be happening. I'm the genius. I'm the golden son. I'm..."
His voice cracked.
"You're nobody."
Alex walked forward slowly, stopping in front of Marcus.
The arena was completely silent. 50,000 people holding their breath.
"Surrender, Marcus," Alex said quietly. "It's over."
Marcus looked up, tears of rage and humiliation streaming down his face.
