A Man Like None Other (Jared Chance) novel Chapter 5416

Aurelius, Thastrum, and several others approached in a loose semicircle, bowing with hands folded in respect, admiration clear on every face.

Aurelius's voice trembled with elation. "Mr. Chance, thank you for pulling us back from the cliff's edge!"

Thastrum reined in his earlier pride and offered a frank nod. "Your strength eclipses mine by more than a step. I concede utterly."

Jared waved them off, then lifted his gaze to the demon host. His words rang out, bold and cutting. "Soul Devourer, is this the champion you bragged about? If you've anyone stronger, send them. Don't bother hiding behind empty boasts."

A hush swept through the demon ranks. The ones who had bellowed threats now stared at their boots, not one daring to answer.

Oronin had been the sharpest spear of their youth. If even he lay broken, who among them could hope to stand?

Soul Devourer's face darkened to the color of storm clouds. Murderous intent swirled in his hollow sockets, yet—for the moment—he could do nothing at all.

Aurelius sensed the ugly truth long before anyone voiced it. Sending another challenger now would not be bravery—it would be volunteering for public disgrace, a fresh offering to the slaughter that Jared had prepared.

Jared's mouth curved into a cold, razor-thin grin, as though he took genuine pleasure in their silence. "What's wrong? No one left with a bit of backbone? Where's all that swagger you were spraying around a moment ago?"

He stepped forward, boots cracking the stone like distant thunder. Twin halos—one gold, one the color of ghost-ash—burst from his skin and rolled outward in a crushing tide, blanketing the demon cultists in a weight that sucked the breath from their lungs. "If none of you dares answer, pack up what's left of your pride and crawl out of level six. I'm tired of watching you make fools of yourselves." Panicked, the demon ranks recoiled, their faces drained of both color and courage. "You've lost. Leave—while you still can."

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