Battle Against Anubis

The air in the arena seemed to freeze for an instant.

The second trial had just ended. The aftershocks of magic still lingered in the air; the dust had yet to settle, and the embers had yet to die. Ian stood upon the scorched ground, his silver-white magical armor still fitted snugly around his body, wand clenched in hand, his gaze calm and resolute.

Anubis stood upon the referee's platform, the golden cloak of the God of Death fluttering faintly in an invisible 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 eyes as unfathomable as an abyss, before slowly continuing:

"Next is the third trial—challenge my will."

However, before he could finish, Ian smiled faintly. His tone was casual, yet carried an unquestionable resolve:

"No. I want to challenge you directly."

The instant those words were spoken, the entire arena seemed to freeze.

In the stands, the "phantom spectators" who had originally supported Heka-Ur immediately erupted into furious jeers:

"Madman! He's lost his mind!"

"He actually dares to challenge the God of Death?!"

"Who does he think he is? A god?"

Meanwhile, Ian's "virtual spectators" instantly burst into cheers:

"Ian! Ian! Ian!"

"He challenges every rule!"

"He refuses to accept fate!"

"He wants to challenge a god!"

Anubis remained where he was. Behind his jackal-headed mask, his eyes narrowed 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. Even the undead spectators in the arena seemed to forget how to breathe, and the entire space fell into an eerie stillness. After a long while, the God of Death finally spoke.