Just as the embers from the last battle faded into the void, the space before Max shimmered again. Faint energy rippled across the arena tiles as another figure began to take shape, slowly condensing from a haze of red and black.
A calm, emotionless voice rang out from above, echoing through the towering walls of the Inheritance Tower. "Second opponent of the True Inheritance Trial Qualification Test—Black Dragon Palace, Vanguard General Paul."
Max's gaze sharpened. 'A Vanguard General?' That meant Paul wasn't just a common genius—he might be someone who led the charge in wars, someone who forged a path through fire and blood for others to follow.
The title carried weight, and Max's interest stirred.
