The ground beneath Leon shifted, forming a circular platform. Across the room, the first opponent emerged—a lithe figure clad in obsidian armor with glowing streaks of amber running through its exoskeleton. Its name materialized above it in shimmering letters:
Rank 69: Emberblade Korath.
Korath drew twin obsidian blades that ignited into flames, each motion fluid and precise. He pointed one blade toward Leon.
"Step forward, and let the trial begin."
Leon cracked his knuckles, his eyes narrowing. "Alright. Let's see what you've got."
The platform shifted again, separating the two combatants from the rest of the chamber as runes along the edges flared to life, forming a containment barrier. The air rippled with heat and tension.
