The platform this time was a smooth obsidian circle surrounded by black mirrors—walls so polished they reflected not just the image, but the aura of those who entered.
Leon stepped forward alone. The others remained behind.
Across the arena stood a slender figure—a humanoid Obsidian Ant with no weapons, no armor, and no visible energy. He stood with his arms behind his back, unmoving. His carapace was polished to a glassy sheen, so reflective that Leon saw his own posture echoed in perfect mimicry.
The inner glyphs pulsed.
"Challenger: Leon. Defender: Mirrosh the Still. Begin."
Leon didn't move.
Neither did Mirrosh.
The silence stretched. A single drop of sweat traced down Leon's brow. He stepped forward.
Instantly—impact.
He stumbled back, clutching his chest. He hadn't been hit. But the intention to attack had rebounded on his nerves. A phantom strike, born from his own aggression.
Shell Reverb—engaged.
