Chapter 37:

Friends Waiting to Happen

> The Arena of Halicarnus was once a place where desperate men fought to survive, their shackles bound not just to chains but to time itself. Criminals bled and broke under the weight of their debts, fighting for a chance to reclaim their freedom. But as the years passed, what began as punishment became spectacle. Now, the roar of the crowd drowns out the cries for mercy, and the ring is no longer a place of redemption—but of coin. But in the pits, on the hard-packed clay, glory is fleeting, and the only currency that matters is blood.

>

> — Carris Velariarin, former champion of the Arena of Halicarnus

Godfrey sat in a stone chair in the training hall, dripping sweat from every inch of his body as he struggled to keep his head up. He had once considered his suit of half-plate slim and light. No longer. The helmet restricted his vision considerably, and trapped his hot breath as he panted.

This had been his life for the past two weeks, performing feats of torture for Rhys while the man watched with an alternating manic grin and morose expression of disappointment. The man seemed to relish finding Godfrey’s breaking point.

At this moment, it was a manic grin that glared at him from across the room on a high podium. The man had somehow placed one of the stone chairs on the podium and lounged on it as if he were an Emperor of old.

“Two minute break is over. Time for prone crawls, to and fro across the length of the hall. You will increase speed with each pass, and if I am not satisfied I will begin firing arrows of live steel behind you, to simulate a breaching action.”

Godfrey emitted a noise that could not be reasonably identified as human.

“Oh, don’t be like that, this warmup will have you ready for the wind sprints down the Garrison Gate Road.”

Godfrey immediately expelled his breakfast from his salt-crusted lips, directly into the interior of his ridiculous steel prison.

He had found a new reason to hate his helmet.

XXX

Godfrey emerged from the Eastern baths of the campus grounds, steam clinging to his skin like a phantom embrace. The baths were unisex—a fact that still unsettled him during peak hours—but at this time of day, when his peers were absorbed in their mandated meditation sessions, the expansive pools were blissfully serene.

The baths were an indulgence he seldom afforded himself, one of the few luxuries the Institute actually provided its students. He understood the rationale: fostering independence and resourcefulness among the recruits. Still, for someone like Godfrey—who had known the sting of poverty more intimately than most—it was a small slice of paradise.

Not that he was complaining. Securing stable employment and shelter so swiftly upon arriving in the city was a stroke of fortune he didn't take lightly. He recognized the mutual benefit in his arrangement with Antonia; perhaps she needed him as much as he needed her establishment.

As he drifted away from the grand stone structure, its massive vents exhaling plumes of steam that made the building appear forged from clouds, Godfrey spotted Adrian, Thyra, and Riella exiting the meditation hall. The hall itself was unremarkable—much like the other edifices on campus, with swept stone spires and decorative facades—but Godfrey had never stepped foot inside. Rhys had assured him that his abilities with Control and Focus would be regularly assessed, and unless he was found lacking, his attendance wasn't required.

Rhys had also made it abundantly clear that any attempt to feign proficiency would be swiftly uncovered by the Institute's staff—a prospect Rhys seemed to relish, given how much he enjoyed their evening sessions.

A shiver ran down Godfrey's spine as Adrian caught sight of him and boomed a greeting across the courtyard.

"Godfrey! My illustrious nightingale! Emerging from the mists like some mythical creature! We missed your shining presence at meditation. How fared Rhys's tender mercies today?"

Godfrey offered a wry smile. "I feel as though my insides have been scooped out and refilled with gravel. But aside from that minor inconvenience, I have no complaints. At the moment, anyway; give me time, and I'm sure I'll find more to share."

Adrian laughed heartily. "Such melodrama! Honestly, you're beginning to sound downright pretentious, my friend. It's most unbecoming."

With a deadpan expression, Godfrey replied, "Yes. Unbecoming."

He glanced toward Riella and Thyra, a hint of nervousness in his eyes. "How are you two doing?"

He had not seen the pair since that night at the tavern. Godfrey had not been avoiding them, of course; Scribes and Squires had yet to begin inter-group training, though it appeared to be right around the corner. Or, if he had been avoiding them, then he had done so out of a sense of stoicism or some other masculine virtue that he was unable to conceptualize at that moment.

Thyra gave him a nod, her serene expression tempered by a curious tilt of her head. Riella's intense gaze settled on him, a hint of something unreadable flickering in her eyes.

"We missed you at meditation," Riella said, her tone direct. "I thought attendance was mandatory."

Godfrey hesitated, choosing his words carefully. "I'm assigned to additional training during that time."

Riella arched an eyebrow. "Additional training? What kind?"

He glanced away, rubbing the back of his neck. "I'm not really supposed to discuss it."

An awkward silence settled over the group. Riella's eyes narrowed ever so slightly, a brief flash of offense that she quickly masked. Thyra's curiosity seemed to deepen, her gaze scrutinizing.

Adrian, ever the master of deflection, clapped his hands together. "Well, that's enough about the drudgeries of training! The sun is setting, and the Lower City awaits. What say we trade the scent of iron and leather for ale and adventure?"

Thyra rolled her eyes, though a faint smile tugged at her lips. "Always looking for a distraction, aren't you, Adrian?"

He grinned unabashedly. "Guilty as charged. But can you blame me? We've earned a little respite."

Riella's face lit up with sudden excitement. "Actually, tonight's the big match at the pit fights. The Bone Breaker is facing a new challenger."

Godfrey looked at her, surprised by her enthusiasm. "The Bone Breaker?"

She nodded eagerly. "He's undefeated. They say he can snap a sword with his bare hands. I've been looking forward to this match all week."

Thyra shook her head, a mixture of amusement and mild disapproval in her eyes. "I don't see the appeal of watching brutes beat each other senseless."

Adrian nudged her playfully. "That's because you prefer to do the beating yourself."

She shot him a sidelong glance. "I don't beat, Adrian. I educate."

He chuckled. "Is that what you call leaving those poor Scribes limping after training? Your 'education' is quite... impactful."

Thyra's lips twitched into a subtle smile. "Perhaps if you paid attention to their training, and worked on their diligence, I wouldn't have to be so persuasive."

Riella turned toward Godfrey, her gaze inviting yet shy. "You should come with us tonight. Maybe we can find a tavern afterward?"

Godfrey hesitated, his eyes shifting between them. "I have obligations to my employer, unfortunately."

Adrian raised an eyebrow, genuine curiosity lighting his features. "Your employer? I didn't know you were working outside the Institute."

Caught off guard, Godfrey felt a flush rise to his cheeks. "It's just a part-time thing," he said lightly. "Helps keep me busy."

Thyra tilted her head, her expression turning thoughtful. "But the Institute keeps us plenty busy. Why take on more?"

He shrugged, attempting to appear nonchalant. "I like to stay active. Besides, it's nothing strenuous."

Adrian exchanged a glance with Riella. "What kind of work is it?"

Godfrey paused, weighing his options. Admitting the truth could change how they saw him, but lying didn't sit well with him either. "I help out at a tavern in the Lower City," he finally admitted.

Riella's eyes widened slightly. "You work at a tavern?"

He nodded. "Antonia's Place. It's a modest establishment."

Adrian’s eyes sparkled. “The brothel? Oh, pray tell, what did you say to me upon our first encounter? That I should mind my own fucking business regarding the needs of your flesh? I must admit to a lack of surprise that I am, once again, correct in the matters of lust and love!”

Godfrey's face flushed deeper. "It's not like that," he mumbled, avoiding their gazes.

Riella's eyes widened slightly. "Wait, you work at a brothel?"

He nodded reluctantly. "Yes. I... I help out at Antonia's establishment."

Thyra's lips curved into a slight, amused smile, her arms uncrossing. "Interesting."

A surge of irritation flared within Godfrey. "It's none of your business how I get by," he snapped, his gaze hardening as he looked between them.

Adrian blinked, taken aback. "Godfrey, I didn't mean to pry. I was just surprised."

He clenched his jaw, the flush of embarrassment mixing with his frustration. "Well, maybe you shouldn't be, Adrian. Not everyone has money."

A brief flash of realization crossed Adrian's face. His usual playful demeanor softened. "You're right," he said quietly. "I'm sorry. I didn't think about that."

The tension in Godfrey's shoulders eased as he noticed the genuine remorse in Adrian's eyes. He sighed, running a hand through his hair. "No, I'm the one who should apologize. I shouldn't have snapped at you. It's just been... a long day."

Riella was looking at Godfrey differently now, her intense gaze tinged with something he couldn't quite place—was it pity? Disappointment? Meanwhile, Thyra avoided his eyes entirely, her attention fixed on a distant point beyond the courtyard.

An uncomfortable silence settled over them. Godfrey felt a knot tighten in his stomach. So this is how it was going to be—they knew his secret, and now they judged him for it. Fine. He hadn't expected to become fast friends with people who couldn't see past their own privilege. He had not known them long, anyway.

He took a deep breath, forcing his tone to soften. "If you'll excuse my outburst, I'd actually like to join you tonight—if that's still alright. I just need some time to arrange things with Antonia."

Adrian's face brightened slightly. "Of course it's alright. Take all the time you need."

Riella nodded, though her eyes still held that unreadable expression. "We'll wait for you at the main gate."

Thyra gave a curt nod but didn't look his way. "See you then."

Feeling a mix of relief and lingering unease, Godfrey turned to leave. As he walked away, he couldn't shake the weight of their reactions. So be it, he thought. He had managed on his own before, and he could do it again.

XXX

A short while later, Godfrey made his way to Antonia's establishment in the Lower City. The streets were unusually quiet, a stark contrast to their typical bustle. As he entered through the side door, the familiar scents of spiced wine and warm hearth greeted him.

Antonia looked up from polishing a set of glasses behind the bar, her keen eyes noticing his arrival. "Evening, Godfrey," she called out, a hint of amusement in her tone. "Didn't expect to see you tonight."

He approached the bar, confusion flickering across his face. "Why not? It's my usual shift."

She chuckled softly. "Haven't you heard? The Bone Breaker fight is tonight. Every man in the city with a taste for blood and spectacle will be crammed into that pit. It's going to be a slow evening here."

Godfrey raised an eyebrow. "I suppose that explains the quiet streets."

"Exactly," she replied, setting the glasses aside. "In fact, I was just about to close up early. No sense in keeping the place open when there's no one to serve."

He considered this information, a thought forming in his mind. "In that case, would you mind if I took the evening off? Some friends invited me out, and I was going to decline, but if you don't need me..."

Antonia waved a dismissive hand. "Go on, enjoy yourself. You work hard enough as it is. A night off will do you good."

He smiled appreciatively. "I don’t know about that, but thank you, Antonia."

She gave him a knowing look. "Just try not to get into too much trouble. And if you happen to place a bet on the fight, put a coin down for me on the underdog."

He chuckled. "I'll keep that in mind for when I have a coin."

As he turned to leave, she called after him. "Oh, and Godfrey?"

He paused, glancing back. "Yes?"

"Remember to live a little. Life's too short to spend all your time working."

He nodded thoughtfully. "I'll do my best."

XXX

Arriving at the main gate, he found Adrian, Riella, and Thyra already waiting. The sky was awash with the deep purples and golds of twilight, stars beginning to peek through as the sun dipped below the horizon.

Adrian's face lit up as he spotted Godfrey approaching. "Well, look who decided to join us after all!"

Godfrey offered a genuine smile. "Seems I have the evening free. Antonia said business would be slow because of the Bone Breaker fight."

"Perfect timing, then!" Adrian grinned, adjusting the sword at his hip. Godfrey was similarly armed, as it was never a good idea to enter the Lower City disadvantaged for action. His tall frame cut a striking figure against the evening glow, his auburn hair catching the last rays of sunlight.

Riella stood a little apart from the group, her dark, wavy hair cascading over the shoulders of her deep blue cloak. Her intense green eyes surveyed the bustling streets ahead, revealing little of her thoughts. Beside her, Thyra remained silent, the soft lantern light reflecting off her silver-blonde braid. Her serene features were tempered by a certain aloofness, arms crossed over her simple yet elegant attire.

"Shall we?" Adrian prompted, gesturing toward the avenue leading to the arena.

They set off together, navigating the throngs of people that filled the main thoroughfare. The city's architecture loomed around them—grand stone buildings adorned with intricate carvings, their balconies draped with banners in vibrant reds and golds. Street vendors called out from colorful stalls, peddling everything from spiced meats to exotic trinkets. The scent of roasted chestnuts mingled with the distant strains of a minstrel's tune, creating a tapestry of sensory delights.

As they approached the arena—a colossal structure of ancient stone and towering arches—the crowd grew denser. The arena's outer walls were adorned with massive torches, flames dancing wildly and casting dramatic shadows across the engraved reliefs of legendary warriors.

"Look at the turnout tonight," Adrian remarked, his gaze sweeping over the sea of eager faces.

"Not surprising," Thyra replied coolly. "The Bone Breaker is a major draw."

Godfrey noticed that Riella hadn't spoken since they'd left the Institute. He glanced at her, but she avoided his gaze, her expression unreadable.

At the entrance, a line stretched out like a serpent, hundreds waiting to purchase admission. Adrian flashed a sly smile. "Follow my lead."

He approached a side gate guarded by two imposing sentries clad in dark armor, their visors obscuring their features. As they drew near, one guard held up a gauntleted hand. "Halt. This entrance is restricted."

Adrian reached into his tunic and produced his Squire chain—a finely crafted silver emblem bearing the insignia of the Institute. The metal gleamed under the torchlight. "We're on official business," he said with practiced authority.

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Riella and Thyra mirrored the gesture, presenting their own chains without a word. The guards examined the emblems before stepping aside.

"Proceed," one guard intoned, his voice echoing slightly within his helmet.

Godfrey hesitated for a heartbeat before displaying his own chain. The guard's gaze lingered on him momentarily but offered no objection as he passed through.

Inside, the arena was a cavernous amphitheater, its stone benches ascending toward the open sky. The central pit was a circle of packed earth, illuminated by a ring of fiery braziers that cast a golden glow on the eager faces of the spectators. The air vibrated with the collective murmur of the crowd—a symphony of excited whispers, boisterous laughter, and the occasional vendor hawking refreshments.

They found seats along the mid-tier, providing a clear view of the pit. Adrian settled in with enthusiasm, while Riella and Thyra positioned themselves with a noticeable distance from Godfrey.

"Quite the spectacle," Godfrey commented, trying to bridge the silence.

Riella nodded slightly, her gaze fixed ahead. "Indeed."

Thyra merely inclined her head, her eyes scanning the arena.

Before Godfrey could attempt further conversation, a fanfare of horns silenced the crowd. A tall, slender man stepped onto a raised platform overlooking the pit—the announcer. Clad in an ornate crimson coat with gold embroidery, his voice boomed across the amphitheater.

"Ladies and gentlemen! Nobles and commoners! Welcome to tonight's grand event!" His words were met with a roar of approval.

"Tonight, we present the undefeated titan of the pit—the indomitable Bone Breaker!"

A gate on one side of the arena groaned open. The Bone Breaker emerged to thunderous applause—a towering figure clad in minimal armor that showcased his muscular physique. His bald head glistened under the flames, and a network of scars crisscrossed his tanned skin. Dark eyes scanned the crowd with a predatory confidence as he hefted a massive warhammer onto his shoulder.

"And facing him," the announcer continued, "a challenger of unparalleled skill and ferocity!"

The opposite gate remained closed. A hush fell over the arena, the crowd leaning forward in anticipation.

Moments passed. The gate did not open.

A ripple of confusion spread through the spectators. Murmurs and whispers grew into a low rumble.

"What's happening?" Adrian muttered, eyebrows knitting together.

Thyra narrowed her eyes. "Perhaps a delay?"

Godfrey glanced at Riella, who was frowning slightly, her fingers tracing idle patterns on the armrest.

The announcer reappeared, his confident demeanor faltering slightly. "Ladies and gentlemen, a brief moment, if you will!"

More minutes slipped by. The crowd's restlessness intensified—shouts of impatience and scattered boos echoed through the stands.

"This is unusual," Godfrey remarked.

Adrian nodded. "They run a tight operation here. Delays aren't common."

Finally, the announcer raised his hands, calling for silence. His amplified voice carried a somber tone. "Ladies and gentlemen, lords and paupers, I have grave news."

A hush fell over the arena, the air thick with expectation.

"The challenger has fled before the might of the Bone Breaker—in shame!"

Gasps and exclamations erupted from the crowd. Some booed, others laughed derisively.

"Fled? How cowardly," Thyra scoffed, though a hint of disappointment laced her words.

Adrian shook his head. "Understandable. Must have lost his nerve; look at the size of that man. Is it a man, and not a beast of the North?"

Riella's expression remained unreadable, her gaze distant.

The announcer continued, his voice regaining its theatrical flair. "Now, of course, we are prepared for such... eventualities. And so, we shall soon commence with a new challenger!"

A murmur of interest rippled through the audience.

"However," he went on, "the Board has decided to open the floor to any brave soul willing to test their mettle against the legendary Bone Breaker, while we prepare the main event!"

The crowd buzzed with a mix of excitement and skepticism.

"Is he serious?" Godfrey wondered aloud.

Adrian leaned forward, intrigued. "This could get interesting."

"Perhaps some foolhardy glory-seeker will take the bait," Thyra remarked coolly.

Sensing the crowd's mixed reaction, the announcer raised his hands dramatically. "I see some of you doubt! But to sweeten the offer, the Board has authorized a prize of fifty gold pieces to any challenger who makes a worthy showing against our champion!"

The buzz intensified. Fifty gold was a substantial sum—enough to catch the attention of even the cautious.

"And that's not all!" the announcer declared, his eyes gleaming under the torchlight. "The challenger will also receive an early-morning Respital slot for full healing and rejuvenation!"

A collective gasp echoed through the arena. Access to the Respital—a facility reserved for the elite, offering the most advanced healing treatments—was a rare privilege.

"Now that's an incentive," Adrian mused.

Godfrey felt a stirring of temptation. Fifty gold could ease many of his burdens, and the Respital slot would ensure he emerged unscathed.

"You're not considering it, are you?" Riella asked quietly, finally meeting his gaze.

He hesitated. "It's a tempting offer."

Thyra regarded him with a critical eye. "The Bone Breaker is no ordinary opponent. This isn't training; it's life and death."

Adrian grinned, a spark of mischief in his eyes. "Well, Godfrey here is full of surprises. Maybe he'd give the crowd a show."

"Don't encourage him," Riella admonished, her tone sharper than usual.

Godfrey looked between them, weighing his options. The murmurs of the crowd seemed to fade as he contemplated the choice before him.

He gave a wry smile. "Why not? If I end up broken, I'm just another poor minor noble anyway."

Riella's eyes widened, a mixture of concern and frustration flashing across her face. "That's not funny, Godfrey."

Before anyone could protest further, Godfrey stood up. "I challenge the Bone Breaker.”

A wave of murmurs swept through the crowd as eyes turned toward him. Adrian's eyes widened in surprise. "Godfrey, are you serious?"

Thyra's expression hardened. "This is reckless."

Riella reached out to grasp his arm. "Don't do this," she pleaded, her eyes searching his.

He gently pulled away, determination set in his features. "I need to do this."

The announcer spotted him. "Ah! A challenger emerges from the crowd! Come forth, brave soul, and state your name!"

Heart pounding, Godfrey made his way down the stone steps, the crowd parting before him. Whispers and curious glances followed his descent. The arena floor felt solid beneath his boots as he stepped into the circle of firelight.

The announcer approached him, microphone in hand. Up close, the man's meticulously groomed mustache and sharp features gave him an air of calculated showmanship.

"Your name, challenger?" he asked, his voice amplified for all to hear.

"Godfrey," he replied, his voice steady.

"Godfrey!" the announcer repeated, turning to the crowd. "A valiant name for a valiant man! Tell us, what drives you to face the Bone Breaker this night?"

Godfrey glanced up at his friends in the stands before responding. "A desire to test myself—and perhaps earn a reward."

The crowd chuckled appreciatively at his honesty.

"Very well!" The announcer stepped back. "Prepare yourself, Godfrey, for you face no ordinary foe!"

The Bone Breaker eyed him with a predatory smirk. "You're a bold one," he rumbled, his voice deep and resonant.

Godfrey drew his sword—a simple yet well-balanced blade he carried with him. He took a deep breath, centering himself as he'd been taught during countless hours of training.

XXX

Up in the stands, Adrian leaned forward anxiously. "He's actually doing it," he muttered.

Thyra shook her head, tension evident in her posture. "Foolish."

Riella's hands clenched the railing, her knuckles white.

The announcer raised his arm. "Let the match begin!"

XXX

An attendant hurried onto the arena floor, struggling under the weight of a warhammer that seemed unwieldy even for a man of the Bone Breaker's size. The weapon was formidable—not oversized but designed for maximum impact, with a solid hammerhead on one side and a vicious spike on the other, perfect for piercing armor and crushing shields. Despite the weight, the Bone Breaker grasped it with practiced ease. He needed both hands to maneuver it effectively, but the way he spun it in controlled arcs made Godfrey's confidence waver.

The crowd hushed as the Bone Breaker showcased his skill, the hammer whistling ominously through the air. Godfrey tightened his grip on his weapons in his standard guard. The dagger's blade gleamed under the torchlight, its hilt fitting snugly in his palm. He settled into his fighting stance: feet shoulder-width apart, knees slightly bent, blades held in front of him.

He began to assess the distance between them, calculating the reach of the warhammer and planning his approach. Just as he felt he'd gauged the Bone Breaker's range, the giant moved. With startling speed that belied his massive frame, the Bone Breaker sprinted forward, closing the gap in an instant. Godfrey's eyes widened in alarm. He barely had time to react as the warhammer came crashing down in a brutal overhead swing.

Instinct took over. Godfrey sidestepped to his right, bringing up his parrying dagger to deflect any follow-up strikes. The hammer smashed into the ground beside him with a force that sent dirt and debris flying. The impact left a dent in the hardened earth of the arena floor. The crowd gasped collectively, the tension palpable.

XXX

Up in the stands, Adrian leaned forward, his face a mix of awe and concern. "He's faster than he looks!"

Thyra's eyes narrowed, tracking every movement. "Godfrey needs to stay agile."

Riella watched with her heart in her throat, feeling as if she was somehow responsible for this.

XXX

Recovering quickly, the Bone Breaker swung the hammer in a wide horizontal arc. Godfrey ducked, feeling the rush of air as the weapon passed over his head. As he rose, he thrust his longsword forward, aiming for the Bone Breaker's midsection. The giant deflected the blade with the haft of his hammer, the clang of metal on wood echoing across the arena.

The Bone Breaker smirked. "You're quick, but you'll need more than that," he rumbled.

He pivoted smoothly, bringing the hammer around for another strike. Godfrey raised his parrying dagger, catching the spike of the hammer and redirecting its path just enough to avoid a fatal blow. The force of the impact sent a jolt up his arm, but his grip held firm.

Using the momentum, Godfrey spun to the side, slashing at the Bone Breaker's exposed thigh with his longsword. The blade scraped against hardened leather armor, failing to penetrate but causing the giant to step back.

"Not bad," the Bone Breaker acknowledged, eyes narrowing.

Godfrey knew he couldn't match the Bone Breaker in strength. He needed to rely on speed and technique. Circling to his left, he maintained a defensive posture, his dagger ready to parry, his longsword poised to strike.

The Bone Breaker advanced, feinting a low swing before quickly transitioning into an overhead attack. Godfrey saw through the feint, raising his parrying dagger to deflect the overhead strike while simultaneously lunging forward with his longsword. The tip of his blade nicked the Bone Breaker's shoulder, drawing a thin line of blood.

The crowd erupted in cheers and gasps.

XXX

"That's it!" Adrian shouted. "First blood!"

Thyra allowed a small smile. "He's using his dual weapons effectively."

Riella's eyes shone with hope. "Stay focused," she murmured.

XXX

The Bone Breaker roared, more in excitement than pain. "You've got spirit!"

He swung the hammer in a rapid series of strikes, each one more aggressive than the last. Godfrey moved with fluid grace, his parrying dagger deflecting blows, his longsword countering when openings appeared. The dance between them intensified, sparks flying as metal met metal.

Sweat dripped down Godfrey's brow, but he remained composed. Spotting a momentary lapse in the Bone Breaker's defense, he feinted a high slash with his longsword. When the giant raised his hammer to block, Godfrey swiftly brought his parrying dagger up, aiming for the gap beneath the Bone Breaker's arm.

The dagger struck true, biting into flesh. The Bone Breaker grimaced, stepping back to disengage.

"You're full of surprises," he admitted, a hint of respect in his tone.

"Likewise," Godfrey replied between breaths.

Up above, Adrian pumped his fist. "He's got him on the defensive!"

Thyra nodded. "He's turning the tide."

Riella clasped her hands together, her lips forming a silent prayer; one she truly hoped no one noticed.

XXX

The Bone Breaker grimaced as blood trickled from the wound on his arm where Godfrey's parrying dagger had struck. Sensing his strength waning, a fierce determination flashed in his eyes. With a sudden pivot, he hurled his warhammer directly at Godfrey—a move as unexpected as it was dangerous.

The massive weapon hurtled through the air, spinning end over end. Godfrey's instincts kicked in; he raised his longsword just in time to deflect the incoming missile. The force of the impact was tremendous. The collision sent a shockwave up his arm, and though he managed to divert the hammer's path, the sheer power behind it knocked him off his feet. He was thrown backward, landing hard on the dusty arena floor. His longsword slipped from his grasp, skittering away across the dirt.

The crowd gasped, a collective intake of breath that echoed throughout the amphitheater.

XXX

"Godfrey!" Adrian shouted from the stands, hands clasped in his blonde hair.

Thyra leaned forward, her eyes wide. "He needs to recover quickly," she muttered.

Riella's heart pounded in her chest. "Get up," she whispered urgently.

XXX

Disoriented but not defeated, Godfrey pushed himself onto one elbow. He still clutched his parrying dagger in his left hand, the blade glinting under the arena lights. Before he could fully regain his footing, a looming shadow fell over him.

The Bone Breaker, now weaponless but no less formidable, charged toward him. With a roar, he leaped into the air, aiming to use his sheer weight to pin Godfrey down. His intention was clear—to gain control of the dagger and turn it against its owner.

Time seemed to slow as Godfrey looked up to see the giant descending upon him. Thinking quickly, he rolled to the side at the last possible moment. The Bone Breaker crashed onto the ground where Godfrey had just been, the impact sending a cloud of dust into the air.

Using the momentum from his roll, Godfrey sprang to his feet, but the Bone Breaker was already rising, undeterred by the missed attack. The giant lunged, grabbing for Godfrey's wrist. Their hands clashed, and a struggle ensued for control of the dagger.

XXX

Up in the stands, the crowd was on the edge of their seats. The raw intensity of the close-quarters combat had everyone enthralled.

"Come on, you've got this!" Adrian yelled, his voice nearly drowned out by the roaring spectators.

Thyra clenched her fists. "He needs to use the giant's strength against him."

Riella could hardly breathe, her eyes never leaving the arena floor.

XXX

The Bone Breaker's massive form pinned Godfrey to the dusty arena floor, his weight pressing down like a stone slab. The giant man's hands grappled with Godfrey's, each vying for control of the parrying dagger clutched in Godfrey's left hand. The crowd roared above them, a cacophony of voices blending into a distant roar in Godfrey's ears.

Sweat and blood smeared between their locked arms as they struggled. The Bone Breaker's face was a mask of fierce determination, his eyes narrowing as he applied more pressure. Godfrey gritted his teeth, muscles straining, but he knew he couldn't match the giant's raw strength.

Desperation fueled him. Summoning a flash of Control, a surge of energy coursed through his veins. His pupils dilated, eyes bleeding into a dark abyssal black that seemed to absorb the very light around them. Despite the enhancement, the Bone Breaker's sheer mass still overwhelmed him; he needed another tactic.

Focusing his Control, Godfrey shifted his weight subtly in his right leg, softening his tendons. With a swift, snapping, sweeping kick, he drove his heel into the side of the Bone Breaker's knee from below, eerily rotating his hip and leg to do so . The strike landed with uncanny precision, unbalancing the giant. The Bone Breaker grunted in surprise as his leg buckled, and Godfrey used the moment to twist out from under him.

Now freed, Godfrey scrambled atop the Bone Breaker, pressing the dagger toward the giant's throat. The Bone Breaker's arm trembled as he fought to keep the blade at bay, his strength waning from the earlier wound. Godfrey's eyes remained a haunting black, the manifestation of his Control intensifying. His pupils expanded unnaturally, giving him an otherworldly appearance that caused a flicker of uncertainty in the Bone Breaker's gaze.

Recognizing the shift, the Bone Breaker realized he too needed to change tactics. With a calculated decision, he allowed the dagger to pierce his stomach, trapping Godfrey's hand in the process. Pain flashed across his face, but he seized the opportunity to wrap his massive arms around Godfrey, pulling him into a crushing embrace.

Godfrey gasped as the air was forced from his lungs. He felt his ribs creak under the immense pressure, a sharp pain indicating that at least one had cracked. Spots danced before his eyes, but he refused to succumb. Drawing upon deeper reserves of Control, he emitted a high-pitched, keening sound—a resonant frequency directed straight into the Bone Breaker's ear.

The effect was immediate. The giant's grip faltered as he winced, eyes softening in confusion. Seizing the moment, Godfrey wriggled free, slipping out of the Bone Breaker's grasp and stumbling backward. He sucked in a ragged breath, his chest aching with each inhale.

But there was no time to recover. With a last burst of terrifying athleticism—empowered by sheer will—the Bone Breaker pushed himself up from his nearly prone position. His muscles coiled like springs as he launched forward, his right fist arcing toward Godfrey's head.

The punch connected with brutal force. Godfrey felt a blinding pain explode across his skull as he was sent sprawling across the arena floor. He tasted blood, and for a moment, everything blurred. The crowd's roar faded to a muffled hum.

Somehow, he clung to consciousness. His eyes, still dark with purpose, focused on the approaching figure of the Bone Breaker. Summoning more Control than ever before, he adjusted the fragments of bone threatening to impinge on his brain, the process excruciating yet necessary. A thin wisp of steam began to rise from his body, the manifestation of his inner power pushing his physical limits.

The Bone Breaker swung again, but this time Godfrey was ready. As the massive fist descended, Godfrey's hands moved with unnatural speed. He twisted around the giant's arm, using his opponent's momentum to throw him off balance. With a deft maneuver, he sent the Bone Breaker crashing onto his back once more.

Panting heavily, Godfrey limped toward where his longsword lay discarded. Each step was a struggle, his body protesting the exertion. Behind him, the Bone Breaker slowly rose to his feet, blood seeping from the wound in his stomach and other small cuts. His face was pale but resolute.

Reaching his warhammer, the Bone Breaker hefted it with sheer determination. The weight seemed almost too much now, but he held it aloft nonetheless. The two warriors locked eyes across the arena, both battered and exhausted.

No more tricks remained. They both understood that this would be the final exchange.

The arena fell into a hushed silence as they advanced toward each other. The spectators leaned forward, breathless with anticipation.

Godfrey steadied his grip on his longsword, the familiar weight a small comfort amidst the chaos. The steam continued to rise from his body, the overexertion of Control pushing him to his limits. His vision narrowed, focusing solely on the figure before him.

The Bone Breaker drew upon his remaining strength, muscles quivering with effort. He raised the warhammer, the weapon appearing almost too heavy for him now.

They closed the distance.

The Bone Breaker struck first, swinging the warhammer in a wide arc. Godfrey dodged to the side, the hammer smashing into the ground with a resounding thud. Seizing the opening, Godfrey lunged forward, his longsword aimed at the giant's chest.

But the Bone Breaker wasn't finished. Letting go of the hammer, he caught the blade between his palms, the sharp edge biting into his flesh. Blood flowed freely, but he held firm.

For a moment, they were locked in a stalemate, both pushing against the other's strength.

Summoning the last of his Control, Godfrey channeled it into a final act. With a fierce shout, he twisted the sword, wrenching it free from the Bone Breaker's grasp and slicing upward.

The blade cut across the giant's chest—not deep enough to be fatal, but enough to drain the last of his energy.

The Bone Breaker staggered backward, his eyes meeting Godfrey's. A faint smile crossed his lips.

"You've fought valiantly," he said, his voice barely above a whisper. "I yield."

The words hung in the air before the crowd erupted into thunderous applause. The stands shook with the force of their cheers, the spectators witnessing a battle unlike any they'd seen before.

Godfrey stood there, swaying slightly as the effects of his overexertion caught up with him. His vision blurred, darkness encroaching at the edges.

As attendants rushed forward to assist, the Bone Breaker extended a hand toward Godfrey.

"Well fought," he said sincerely.

Godfrey grasped his hand, nodding in acknowledgment. "You as well."

The announcer's voice boomed across the arena. "Ladies and gentlemen, we have witnessed a duel for the ages! Victory goes to Godfrey!"