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But today, we didn’t have a choice.
We had to succeed.
As the moments ticked by, drawing us closer to our inevitable confrontation, the weight of our situation threatened to crush me.
The prospect of never unlocking the dragon’s power, of being stuck in this hellish nightmare indefinitely, was too much to bear.
But more than that, the idea of losing Nova, of watching her suffer under Sneik’s cruel hand, was a fate far worse than any death.
Gripping Nova’s hand, I took a deep breath, trying to savor the calm before the storm.
The stakes were higher than they had ever been, the price of failure unimaginable.
We had to win today.
There was simply no other option.
* * *
Stepping into the anteroom of the central fighting pit, the air was thick with anticipation.
The clamor from the vast crowd outside reached us, waves of sound crashing through the steel walls, leaving an echoing resonance that made my chest vibrate.
The familiar smell of oiled leather, sharpened steel, and the subtle hint of nervous sweat filled my nostrils.
The central pit was always abuzz with energy, but today it was alive in a way I’d never witnessed before.
It made the hairs on the back of my neck stand on end.
The cacophony was a living entity of its own; the shouts, cheers, and taunts created a sonic tapestry that set the stage for the most important battle of my life.
The excitement of the audience was palpable, their roars tingling on my skin like static electricity.
Nova looked around, slightly overwhelmed by the raucous environment.
Her hand slipped into mine, seeking reassurance.
The feel of her fingers, cool and soft, grounded me amidst the overwhelming stimuli.
I approached the weapon racks, my fingers gliding over the cold steel of each weapon.
I opted for a light sword, perfect for quick maneuvers, and its familiar weight brought a semblance of comfort.
Donning light armor, I allowed its snug embrace to provide a second layer of skin, protecting my vitals.
A small shield, ideal for deflecting and parrying, completed my ensemble.
For Nova, I chose thick armor.
The plated suit might be cumbersome, but I wasn’t willing to take chances with her safety.
I handed her a medium shield and a small dagger, the blade shining menacingly even under the dim anteroom lights.
She eyed it skeptically but took it with grace, testing its balance in her hand.
“I hope I don’t have to use this,” she whispered, her eyes reflecting her anxiety.
I knew she wouldn’t need to, not in the traditional sense.
