Ken's eyes remained fixed on Lucas, studying him carefully beneath the pale moonlight.
The valley had grown quiet again. Even the distant sounds from the two armies seemed to have faded, as if the land itself was listening to the conversation unfolding between them.
"What exactly are you planning?" Ken asked again.
Lucas did not answer immediately.
Instead, he looked directly back at the Celestial with the same calm expression he had carried all night.
Then he spoke.
"Why should a Celestial fear what I am planning?"
Ken's brows pulled together slightly.
Lucas continued without raising his voice.
"The odds are heavily in your favor."
His tone remained even.
"You have a Celestial. We do not."
Alexander remained silent beside him, though he could feel the tension growing in the air.
Lucas went on.
"You command the stronger army. You already hold our capital. From your perspective, this duel tomorrow is merely a formality."
Ken's expression slowly hardened.
