Chapter 20: And the King is...
Rather than creating magical shields, Arthur relied on his enhanced reflexes. As the energy bolt approached, he sidestepped with perfect timing, allowing it to pass harmlessly by.
"Unorthodox defense from Prince Arthur," the announcer noted. "Evasion rather than magical countering!"
Murmurs spread through the audience. Some seemed impressed by Arthur’s physical abilities, others disappointed by the lack of magical display. Arthur caught Judge Bainbridge’s eye, noting how the fat bastard shifted uncomfortably, their earlier blackmail exchange clearly fresh in his mind.
As the attacks got more complex, Arthur continued his strategy of minimal magical engagement, saving energy while Gareth burned through his reserves with increasingly spectacular defenses. With each passing minute, the signs of enhancement drug abuse became more obvious on Gareth’s body—the red veins now clearly visible across his exposed skin, his movements becoming unnaturally quick, his eyes glowing with feverish light.
During a particularly complex attack sequence, Arthur deliberately faltered, creating what looked like an opening in his defense. Gareth, watching for any weakness, immediately launched a fire attack to exploit the vulnerability—despite this being against the rules of the defensive phase.
Arthur had anticipated this. At the last moment, he twisted away with snakelike grace, bringing him momentarily close to Gareth as their bodies almost collided. In that brief proximity, hidden from the audience by their positions, Arthur whispered words meant only for his brother’s ears.
"She moaned when I kissed her, brother. Just thought you should know."
The effect was immediate and devastating. Gareth recoiled as if physically struck, his face twisting with rage and disbelief. The enhancement drug surged visibly beneath his skin, veins darkening from red to an alarming purple as his emotional state triggered a stronger reaction.
"You lie!" Gareth snarled, completely losing it as he abandoned all pretense of the defensive phase.
Fire erupted from his hands in a continuous stream, forcing Arthur to roll and dodge frantically. The audience cried out in alarm as the attack clearly violated the phase rules.
"Prince Gareth!" called the head judge, rising to his feet. "This phase is defensive only! Stop your attack immediately!"