Markus knew that the hero before him was the real one, and yet he felt the need to test him. Not to undermine his abilities or show off, but rather to test if he could stand to save the world as he claimed and, if not, why should he be allowed to journey off instead of taking care of his children? The royals mattered more to the dark knight, and as his blade was set ablaze like a phantom candle, he aimed it at the hero, ready to spar inside the energy-dampening spear cast inside the castle's ward.
No words were exchanged as the two readied themselves, Raven with his dark blades and Markus with greatsword and curses. A large crowd had gathered around them, watching with bated breath. The weight of many eyes being on them was as much a burden as a fly on a giant's shoulders. Neither paid the bystanders any heed as their battle had already begun.
"Here I come," Markus whispered, leaping forward.
