Maximus lunged once more. He dropped low, dodging Evan's panicked thrust, and immediately wrapped his arms around his waist. In one swift motion, he hoisted Evan high above his head, both hands gripping his body, then slammed him down.
CRASH!
Evan's body hit the floor with full force. Dust and marble fragments scattered. His frame bounced once, then lay still.
The Colosseum fell silent.
Slowly, Evan tried to move. His hands groped blindly, searching for his spear—now far out of reach. But his body refused to cooperate.
Maximus approached slowly, savoring the moment. He stood over Evan's prone form, looking down, smiling.
"Trash," he said.
He didn't strike again. The referee had already rushed to the center of the arena, checked Evan's condition, and raised his hand.
"EVAN CANNOT CONTINUE THE MATCH! VICTORY GOES TO MAXIMUS TREYBERN OF NINE STARS ACADEMY!"
