In the arena—
Caelum staggered.
His hand shot to his face. Covering the nose and mouth. Eyes are watering instantly.
"What—" Choked. "What IS—"
The smell invaded. Merciless. Through every gap. Every breath.
His other hand fumbled. Desperate. Storage ring flashed.
WHOOSH.
A barrier appeared. Shimmering dome. Wrapped around him.
The smell passed through.
No effect.
"NO—"
Another flash. Shield materialized. Solid metal. He pressed it to his face like a mask.
The smell seeped around it.
"DAMN IT—"
Flash. Flash. Flash.
Protective talisman. Activated. Golden light.
Wind barrier. Spinning air.
Ice shield. Frozen wall.
Water bubble. Around his head.
Nothing worked. NOTHING.
The smell penetrated everything. Unstoppable. All-consuming.
Caelum's face turned green. Then white. Eyes bloodshot.
"DESPICABLE!"
Screamed. Voice cracking.
"CHEAP! COWARDLY! I DON'T—"
Swayed.
"I DON'T ACCEPT—"
Fell to his knees. Body convulsing.
"THIS... THIS ISN'T... HONORABLE... COM..."
