The moment King Alexandria's smirk widened, an instinctual dread crawled up the royal elf's spine. His body reacted before his mind could process it—his feet taking an unconscious step back.
Something was wrong. Deeply wrong.
But before panic could fully take hold, the familiar presence of his royal guards flanking him brought a fleeting sense of reassurance. Their imposing figures stood tall, their hands gripping their weapons tightly. The sight of them, unwavering in their duty, allowed him to regain a sliver of composure.
But unfortunately, that sliver didn't last.
Because in the very next instant—
BOOM!
A grotesque explosion of blood and viscera erupted from the bodies of the four royal guards. One moment they stood firm, the next, their forms violently burst apart into chunks of mangled flesh and armor, showering the royal elf in the remains of what was once his elite protectors.
Gasps. Screams. Horrified wails.
The coliseum instantly erupted into pure chaos right after.
