"You think you're strong?" he bellowed. "I am the City Lord! I've bathed in magma since before you could hold a blade!"
He stomped once and the arena answered.
BOOM!
Obsidian spikes erupted in all directions. One nearly impaled Ben from below, but he vaulted sideways, swaying between falling stone and rising flame.
Kharvek charged, faster now. His entire right arm transformed into a gauntlet of molten rock, curling into a hammer the size of a grown man.
CRASH!
Ben barely ducked in time. The impact shattered part of the arena wall, flames pouring from the crater like blood. The crowd howled.
"You run well, rat!" Kharvek mocked, his voice thundering. "But I wonder, how long can you dodge my wrath?"
Ben didn't reply. He was already moving. Another trio of venom daggers flicked from his hands, one high, one low, one curving in from behind.
Kharvek snarled. This time, he ignored them. His molten armor flared again, taking the hits, allowing the blades to sink in, only halfway.
