Maximus's challenge had surprised even the Inhumans themselves. He was Black Bolt's younger brother, of noble blood, but his abilities were no different from an ordinary person's. For someone like him to challenge the mighty Indra was obviously suicidal.
Medusa couldn't possibly pin the outcome on Maximus. She was about to refuse when Luo Xia said, "Good. I admire your courage. In that case, I accept your challenge."
"Wait, he isn't..." Medusa panicked as soon as she heard that and tried to explain, but suddenly felt an overwhelming terror engulf her.
The man wearing the Ice Mask seemed to transform into a ravenous beast, baring a mouth full of sharp teeth as he lunged to bite her.
Fear robbed Medusa of the ability to resist. If Black Bolt hadn't quickly caught her, she would have collapsed to the ground.
Luo Xia rose from his throne and said in a low voice, "You foolish woman. Did you think I hadn't seen through your plan? Did you think you could gain an advantage over me with verbal sophistry? I accepted your challenge only to amuse myself in my spare time. Now that the fight has begun, I decide how it proceeds and when it ends. If you make another sound with that loathsome mouth of yours, I guarantee you'll be just like your husband and never speak again."
As he spoke, thick, layered thunderclouds gathered in the sky. The force of his anger could trigger natural disasters, leaving everyone too terrified to make a sound.
After cowing the crowd, Luo Xia turned to Maximus. The man had held himself together better than even his brother and sister-in-law. Though his lips were pressed tight with nerves, he still stood firmly before Luo Xia.
"Not bad. I especially admire brave warriors. Strength can be