The two approached, step by step, until they stood face to face in the center of the hall.
Jack stood half a head taller than Mark and twice as broad through the shoulders, looking down at him with confidence.
Mark simply watched him with indifference, like someone looking at an ant.
"Last chance to back down" Jack said, cracking his knuckles.
"I was about to say the same thing to you" Mark replied with a half smile.
While both held each other's gaze, a voice resonated in Mark's mind.
'Master, just give the order and I'll cut this idiot's head off immediately,' Ely said through the mental link, in a slightly impatient tone. 'You don't have to dirty your hands with garbage like this.'
'I know, but this time I'd like to go first,' Mark replied without taking his eyes off Jack. 'This animal has been insulting Luna and me like we're filth for a good while now… I want to teach him a lesson with my own hands before you step in.'
