The torches flickered wildly, casting shifting shadows across the Obsidian Ring. The arena was too small for long-range combat, but that worked in Adrian's favor. He didn't need distance. He needed darkness.
The announcer's voice boomed across the stands.
"For this duel, the rules of Hunter's Reckoning apply! Competitors will battle in shifting zones of light and darkness. Those in the light will be fully visible, while those in the shadows will be obscured!
Victory is determined by incapacitation, and per Head Nurse Miss Seacole's orders- attacks may only be inflicted on the torso! Strikes to the head or limbs will be considered invalid."
A murmur swept through the audience at that last rule.
Adrian's grip on his dagger tightened.
That restriction meant no quick tendon cuts to slow Ambrose down. No disarming slashes.
Only deep, damaging strikes that his opponent could regenerate from.
Across the battlefield, Ambrose rolled his shoulders, a confident grin on his face.
