heart bump against my chest. Silence prevailed for a moment, and then chains began to rattle. The gates creaked, and the entire place was drowned out by the raucous applause. “Molon Labe,” I whispered, tearing my eyes open when the sunrays finally hit me. My opponent stood at the other side of the arena, clutching his spear forged by stars. His celestial cloak waved in the wind while his bloodshot hazel eyes darted right into mine through his dented helmet.
Perhaps he was eager to fight just like me. After all, townsmen dubbed him Immortal for that he was known for his impervious skin, but it was the day for his immortality to fall. My foe boasted before the crowd by smashing the spear against his shield in rhythmic clicks. The sound of metal rang in my ears as battle neared, so I grasped the hilt in my hand and took a step forwards into the sun.
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