The air in the arena seemed to freeze for a moment.
The second trial had just ended. Magical aftershocks still lingered in the air; the dust had yet to settle, and the embers had yet to die. Ian stood on the scorched ground, his silver-white magical armor still fitted snugly against his body, wand clenched in hand, his gaze calm and resolute.
Anubis stood upon the referee's platform, Death's golden cloak fluttering faintly in an unseen wind. His voice was deep and solemn:
"The second trial has ended. You have defeated one of Ancient Egypt's greatest wizards."
He paused, his gaze as deep as an abyss, before slowly continuing:
"Next, the third trial—challenge my will."
However, before he could finish, Ian smiled faintly. His tone was relaxed, yet carried unquestionable resolve:
"No. I want to challenge you directly."
The moment those words left his mouth, the entire arena seemed to freeze.
In the stands, the "phantom spectators" who had originally supported Heka-Ur instantly erupted into angry boos:
"Madman! He's gone mad!"
"He actually dares challenge Death?!"
"Who does he think he is? A god?"
Meanwhile, Ian's "virtual spectators" erupted into cheers:
"Ian! Ian! Ian!"
"He challenges every rule!"
"He refuses to accept Destiny!"
"He wants to challenge a god!"
Anubis stood where he was, the eyes beneath his Jackal Head Mask narrowing slightly as he fell silent for a moment.
He did not respond immediately. Instead, he quietly watched Ian, as though examining a soul about to step into the abyss. Silence spread between them. The dead spectators in the arena even forgot to breathe, and the entire space fell into a strange stillness. After a long while, Death finally spoke.
"Your courage is commendable." His voice remained calm, though it carried a trace of barely perceptible approval. "But if