Leon's eyes narrowed slightly, the challenge lighting a fire behind them.
"I accept," he said simply, stepping forward as the surrounding crowd of Obsidian Ants murmured with interest.
The announcer grinned wider, antennae twitching. "Then welcome, outsider… to the Colosseum of Black Stone. Let's see if your kind can survive our crucible."
The first match started just minutes later. Leon stood alone in a wide obsidian arena, surrounded by towering antfolk and glowing glyphs etched into the arena walls. Above, floating crystal panels displayed his name.
[Rank 998 – First Challenger: Skarn the Carapace]
A towering Obsidian Ant stepped into the arena. His exoskeleton was reinforced with hardened lava-like plating, and when he slammed his fists together, a shockwave cracked the stone beneath.
"Body Force Initiated," the announcer said.
Skarn's muscles expanded, his outer shell glowing faintly with crimson lines as energy coiled through his limbs. The crowd roared.
