"Didn't you say it usually works?" Elias asked.
Then, without warning—
He punched him.
Bang!
No spell.
No enhancement.
Just a raw, clenched fist.
It sent Kellen skidding across the floor, crashing into the barrier wall.
The rune on his right arm cracked.
Another spell—gone.
He tried to stand.
Elias didn't let him.
The moment Kellen's palm braced the floor, Elias dropped a reverse gravity spell under him.
Bang!
Kellen slammed back into the ground with a shout.
Another spell gone.
Only two left.
The crowd began to shout now.
Not in excitement.
But in alarm.
The mimic was being dismantled.
And Elias?
He didn't blink.
Back in the stands, Cael whispered, "He's taking everything. Not just winning. He's stripping him."
Renna exhaled. "That's not just anger."
Reiz watched closely. "It's a lesson."
Kellen forced himself to stand.
Barely.
His shoulder twitched. His leg ached. Three of his stored spells were gone.
"Why?" he muttered.
