Chapter 81. The Strength Trial

Xerina’s POV

Rasmus stood in the center of the arena, looking commanding and deadly. The warrior before him was also a hulking figure twice his size, lunged forward with a savage growl, his spear aimed directly at Rasmus’s chest. But Rasmus didn’t flinch. With a swift, almost effortless movement, he sidestepped the attack, his eyes cold and calculating.

People around gasped.

In one fluid motion, Rasmus brought his own spear up, spinning it in his hand with practiced ease. The crowd gasped as he deflected the warrior’s weapon with a sharp clang, the force of the impact sending a shudder through the air. Rasmus moved like a predator, circling his opponent with a grace that belied the lethal intent in his every step.

The warrior growled in frustration, his muscles bulging as he tried to overpower Rasmus with sheer brute strength. He swung his spear in a wide arc, aiming to catch Rasmus off guard, but Rasmus was faster—much faster. He ducked under t