BANGGG!
The sound thundered across the field. Bragot's knees buckled, the ground cracking under him as he dropped, forced to kneel by sheer strength. His posture faltered, his body trembling under the weight of Ethan's might.
The silence that followed was heavy until Ethan's voice cut through, calm and sharp as a blade.
"Middle stage of Intermediate rank. Not bad. But that is not enough to defeat me."
Baron Bragot's eyes went wide with disbelief. His chest rose and fell heavily as he tried to steady himself, but his mind refused to accept the reality before him.
He shook his head as if the sight would change. He could not believe it. No, he refused to believe it. His lips trembled, and he shouted with panic building in his throat.
"How? How are you so strong? Aren't you a mere commoner, so how?" His voice cracked, louder this time, carrying across the arena.
