Above the Battle Space, the enormous projection brightened once more. Their figures appeared inside a vast virtual arena, standing several hundred meters apart beneath a sky filled with floating silver runes.
The second battle was about to begin.
Inside the Battle Space, Damian and Aldric stood several hundred meters apart.
A countdown appeared before them.
Ten. Nine. Eight.
Damian calmly placed one hand on the hilt of his sword. His expression didn't change. No nervousness showed in his eyes, and no obvious excitement either. He looked composed, almost too composed, as if fighting in front of Bloodstone City meant nothing to him.
Across from him, Aldric's pale golden pupils narrowed. Unlike Virgil, who'd entered the battle with open arrogance and savage confidence, Aldric's gaze ran much colder. He'd watched the first fight carefully, and he clearly had no plans to repeat Virgil's mistakes.
Three. Two. One. Zero.
The moment the countdown vanished, Aldric moved.
