His aura flared violently, shaking the air.
"And yet… here I am," King Zul growled,
"Being pushed back."
His teeth clenched.
"How am I losing?"
"How am I losing to a human?!"
The stands were silent.
"Elves are superior to humans," King Zul said sharply, as if repeating it would make it true.
"That is the truth of this world!"
Nolan slowly exhaled.
Then he took a step forward.
"Don't say that again."
His voice wasn't loud.
But it carried.
"You're wrong."
King Zul froze.
"The average human," Nolan continued calmly,
"thinks faster than elves."
Another step.
"They adapt faster."
"They question more."
"They learn from failure."
King Zul's brows furrowed.
"Yes, human lives are shorter," Nolan said.
"But that's exactly why they're dangerous."
He raised his hand slightly, palm open.
"Humans live every day like it might be their last."
"They fight like they don't get second chances."
His eyes sharpened.
"That pressure—
That desperation—
That fear of ending—"
