Before him was the Demon King, who loomed over him, his voice reverberating everywhere. A cold trickle of sweat ran down Alex's back.
The size was overwhelming; for Alex, he felt no more than an ant ready to collide against a mountain. Brutal reality kissed him: this wasn't some game or story he could close when things got too intense; this was real, and he was terrified.
He looked down at Alex, a glint in his eyes-an amusement intermingled with malice. A twisted grin spread across his face, big with every second that felt like it was passing by. His voice was deep; authority brimmed from every word as he said, "It's time, hero! Time for our first fight. I must just admit, I'm disappointed."
Alex's heart was racing in his chest, and he had absolutely no idea how to reply. What was he to do? He didn't have any powers, weapons, or plan. The only thing he had was desperate hope that somehow this was all just a bad dream.
"Do not be concerned, hero," taunted the Demon King. "I am not going to kill you just yet. No, I have in mind something really much more entertaining.
He had raised his hand and a stream of dark energy had erupted from it, catching Alex and sending him flying across the chamber. He hit the floor hard, the impact forcing the air from his lungs. Pain seared through his body and for several moments he could not move.
"Get up," the Demon King commanded, his voice echoing through the chamber.
Alex grunted as he forced himself to his feet. Everything inside of him screamed against it, but he knew he couldn't lie around. He had to just keep pushing on, no matter how little to no chance he had.
"Pathetic," the Demon King sneered. "I expected more from a man so obsessed with the fantasy realm."
Mendoza was thinking hard, but nothing came out. He knew he was outmatched, knew it all too well.
The Demon King did not give him any more time to weigh the situation at hand. Flicking his wrist, another wave of dark energy was now en route to him. This time, Alex jumped out in time-but by a hair's breadth-and the exertion sent him panting. He had already been tired; the fight had barely started.
"Is that all you got?" The Demon King sneered, deliberately moving slowly to Alex. "You are hardly worth my time."
It was terror of what he now knew had to be done that clutched at Alex's chest. What to do? His mind, in a blur of panic, could think only to attempt running. But no sooner had he turned to do so than the Demon King was before him, in his way.
"Leaving so soon?" he asked, all smiles in cruelty. "I'm not done with you yet."
In one swift motion, the Demon King reached out and grabbed Alex by his collar, hoisting him into the air as though he weighed absolutely nothing in this world.
Alex kicked and struggled, trying to set the demon's hand free from his collar, but it was like trying to set a boulder free. Impossible to break the Demon King's grip.
"Let's make this interesting," the Demon King finally said in a low, dangerous tone of voice. "How about a little test of your strength?"
With that, the Demon King slammed Alex into the ground-the force of the impact that had left him dazed and in pain. He could hardly move but knew he needed to get back up. He had to keep fighting, no matter how hopeless.
"You are weak," the Demon King spat, his voice thick with disdain. "But really that is to be expected-you're just a pitiful human."
Alex's heart sank at the words; he knew full well that he was weak, powerless, utterly out of his league. All the same, he had never taken kindly to insults.
"I won't let you win," Alex snarled, his teeth clenched tight as he struggled to his feet. His body shrieked protests, but he made himself straighten.
The Demon King laughed; the edge underlying his voice belied the amusement in Alex's defiance. "Brave words for someone who can barely stand," he said to Alex. "But bravery won't save you."
The Demon King kicked out suddenly, catching him off his guard. Across the chamber he flew once more; in a roll, he struck the hard stone floor and came to rest at the foot of a jagged rock. Pain flared across his body as he fought for breath.
This time, the Demon King didn't wait for Alex to rise on his own. He waved a hand, and tendrils of dark energy wrapped about Alex's body, hauling him into the air and drawing him toward the Demon King.