Marcus coughed up blood. The red liquid splattered on the white stone floor. His phoenix martial spirit let out a weak cry and began retreating back into his soul space. The spirit recognized a superior predator and was attempting to flee.
"I could kill you with a thought," Arthur continued. His tone wasn't threatening. Just stating simple fact. "I could erase your existence so completely that even your soul would cease to be. That is the difference in our power."
Arthur's eyes began to glow with golden light. The Emperor's Star power within him stirred. His Imperial Mandate ability activated partially.
"Kneel," Arthur commanded.
The single word carried absolute authority. It resonated with power that bypassed Marcus's conscious resistance and spoke directly to his soul.
Marcus's body moved on its own. His knees bent against his will. His head bowed forward. Within seconds, he was prostrate on the arena floor, forehead pressed against the stone.
