The tension in the underground corridor thickened until it felt almost tangible.
Two Supreme Warriors stood face to face with armies on each side. Their weapons were drawn and magic coiled as they all waited.
And yet, neither side moved.
Not immediately.
Carter Thown's gaze drifted across the formation of Magik Realm's warriors, lingering for a fraction longer on the High Lord, before finally settling on Rune.
There was recognition there... and something else that seemed like interest.
"Well," Carter said lightly, breaking the silence. "This is more than I expected."
His voice echoed faintly through the corridor, carrying an unsettling calm. "To think you would come personally," he added, looking back at the High Lord. "I should feel honored."
"You should feel cornered," the High Lord replied coldly but Carter just chuckled.
"Cornered?" he repeated. "You walked into my domain. Tell me… who is truly cornered here?"
