The deafening gong echoed, but the expected earth-shattering charge didn't come.
STONEDESTROYER, the colossal, magma-veined titan, remained perfectly still. He didn't raise his massive fists. He didn't roar. Instead, he took a single, thunderous step forward and bowed his massive head slightly.
"Project_Prometheus," his voice rumbled, a sound like tectonic plates grinding together, surprisingly deep and resonant. "I have watched your climb. You fight with honor. For my thousandth victory, I wish for a true test. I will grant you the first strike. Show me your best."
Adrian, hovering in the air, was genuinely caught off guard. A trap? His [Omnisense] scanned the giant, but found no deception, only a calm, unshakable confidence. The alien's posture was only open and inviting.
"Very well," Adrian replied, his voice amplified. "I accept."
He didn't hesitate. He knew he couldn't win a protracted battle against a being made of living obsidian. He needed to end this now.
