Chapter 102. Rydan’s Concession

Eryndor’s POV

The trial pressed on beneath the blazing midday sun, and here I was, once again squaring off against Rydan. This was our second encounter in the arena, and truth be told, I didn’t hold him in high regard. The first time we fought, he’d nearly killed me the instant I turned my back. I remembered the cold ambition in his eyes as he swung his spear, seeking to exploit any weakness. I couldn’t trust him, so I resolved that if I were to emerge victorious this time, I would have to throw aside any notion of playing fair. I had to unleash every scrap of strength and cunning I possessed.

Rydan advanced, and I reacted instinctively—kicking up a cloud of sand in his direction, hoping to blind him long enough to land a decisive strike. But he was ready. With a swift arc of his spear, he deflected the gritty torrent right back at me. The particles stung my eyes, and I reflexively brought a hand to shield my face. In that momentary blindness, Rydan drove the broa