THE FINAL.
The instructor caught King at the base of the steps before he went up.
"You've fought well to get here," the man said. "But know that Drixus is different. He hasn't lost in three hundred fights. That number isn't decoration, it's a fact about what he is."
"My advice, fight your fight, not the one he wants."
King nodded once.
The instructor stepped aside, and King climbed.
---
The announcer let the crowd settle just enough to hear him, the he began.
"Ladies and gentlemen, warriors, and citizens of Belfort!"
"Welcome to the ultimate stage of The Proving!"
A Roar ensued. And he signaled the crowd to dial it back down. And as soon as they did, he continued.
"Through blood, sweat, and broken steel, dozens entered the arena. Only one survived the gauntlet of the previous rounds.
