"Atticus Ravenstein. Do you accept the challenged terms? On the event of your loss, you will lose your life. On the event of his loss, he will lose his."
All eyes turned to Atticus next. Now, everything lay in his hands. There was no way he would be so stupid... right?
"I accept."
Eyes shot wide in shock. He had actually dared...
"This idiot is too foolish. He should just get on his knees and offer his life," one from the Redflame faction said, shaking his head.
"It’s too late for that. With the Burning in effect, his death is assured," another said.
"At least he would save the lives of his people," the first shrugged.
A Burning was meant to be thorough. Its main purpose was to send a message to the plane, that the Redflames were not to be messed with.
After dealing with the god, their world and people would not be spared. They burned everything into ashes.
Many from the Redflames shook their heads. Atticus had just sealed his fate, and that of his people. Regardless, their flames rose to the heavens, the temperature rising.
"Burn him!"
"Roast him alive, Baron Kale!"
"Scorch his pride!"
"Let the flames purify his arrogance!"
"Turn him to cinders!"
"Make him beg before ash takes him!"
Despite the obvious results, the Redflames were roused. Seeing their enemies burn was a thing of joy.
A clap cut through the excitement.
"The terms have been accepted by both gods," the furry creature said, turning towards Kale. "Baron Kale Gladeflame. Are you ready?"
"I am."
It turned towards Atticus.
"God Atticus Ravenstein. Are you ready?"
"I am." Atticus’ response had no pause.
The furry creature gave a moment to glance around the audience.
A silence like no other descended upon the entire arena. Many were on the edge of their seats, waiting patiently for it to give the word to begin.
The expectations were high. Many expected a one hit battle, a clash of their wills, and Kale would overwhelm the child.
While others wanted Kale to take his time. Put the child in his place, show him how the middle planes operated, and then kill him.
Whichever happened though, the excitement was at its peak.
"Begin—!"
"Scorch Blaze!"
The furry creature’s word had barely dropped when Kale’s shout tore through the air. His figure erupted in a blaze of roaring flames.
The flames wrapped around every inch of his body like a compressed storm. The temperature rose to unimaginable heights.
"He used it!"
The eyes of many Redflame members in the crowd shot wide. Many who had wanted him to take his time visibly let out a sigh.
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