He was tall, easily six feet, with a with a broad, muscular build. His dark hair was cut short, and his eyes were a deep brown.
He wore light armor made of what looked like hardened earth, formed from his own magic.
"Competitors, take your positions!" Hendricks announced.
Lucas and Victor moved to opposite sides of the platform, facing each other across the thirty-foot distance.
"The rules are simple!" Hendricks continued, his voice magically amplified to carry throughout the arena.
"Fight until one of you triggers your protective barrier, surrenders, or is unable to continue! Killing blows are prohibited! Maiming is discouraged but injuries are expected! Any questions?"
Neither Lucas nor Victor spoke.
"Good! Competitors, are you ready?"
Lucas nodded, falling into a ready stance. Across from him, Victor did the same, his hands already glowing with earth magic.
"BEGIN!"
Victor moved.
