Ethan staggered slightly as he stepped down from the arena platform, adrenaline fading and
exhaustion seeping into his limbs. His cloak clung to sweat-dampened skin, and his breaths came
shallow and ragged.
The Dark Mage team clustered around him immediately.
"Ethan!" Velexaria's voice snapped like a whip as she rushed forward, her dark robes billowing
behind her. She grasped his shoulders, sharp eyes scanning his face. "Are you injured? How
much mana do you have left? Let me see."
"I'm fine, Master," Ethan rasped, offering her a lopsided grin. "Just… a little toasted."
Kaeron burst into laughter, slapping Ethan on the back so hard he nearly toppled forward.
"Toasted? Bro, you were out there looking like the embodiment of rage and silent fury. I thought
you were gonna explode!"
Lysena folded her arms and tilted her head. "I think the silent treatment was scarier than any
magic. You gave off serial killer vibes for a second there."
