The entire arena sank.
Cracks spread across the ground beneath Max's feet, and the ruined stones around him were crushed into powder before the attack even landed. The pressure was so overwhelming that many people outside the arena felt their chests tighten despite the barrier separating them from the battlefield.
Nick's expression changed slightly, and even the golden-haired elven prince narrowed his eyes as he watched how Max would respond.
Max looked up.
Then he laughed.
He bent his knees slightly, clenched his right fist, and punched straight upward.
There was no Star Fist.
There was no Seven Divine Veins.
There was no additional burst of Draconic Essences beyond the physical strength already raging inside his transformed body.
It was only a punch.
A punch backed by a body so terrifyingly strong that it no longer seemed human.
Boom!
