"The first challenge will be a test of brute strength!" announced Surtr.
With a wave of his hand, Surtr summoned a huge magic circle in the center of the arena. The ground began to shake slightly, and an intense red glow began to emanate from the point where Surtr had gestured. Liquid flames began to trace ancient runes in the air, drawing patterns too complex even for Alina to understand.
This was more than the arcane magic Alina knew, this was demonic arcane magic.
The magic circle was colossal, taking up almost half of the vast arena. The distorted runes glowed in shades of red, orange and deep black, pulsing with an almost palpable energy. Around the circle, demonic symbols flickered, as if they were alive, and in the center, a larger mark stood out, pulsing rhythmically like a flaming heart, radiating heat and power. The atmosphere itself seemed charged with energy, with the air rippling from the heat and power emanating from the circle.
