Adrian's gaze then landed sharply on Payton. "If you even think about running away, I'll break your legs. You hear me?"

"Okay!" Payton immediately stopped in his tracks, trembling. He desperately wished for Darryl and his roc to come to his aid.

Urias was suffering internally. Adrian had yet to counterattack, genuinely giving him three chances. In truth, he would be doomed if Adrian retaliated.

"Here comes the second move!" Urias boomed.

"No, please!" Juleen said frantically, knowing Adrian could not dodge the attack and seemed unwilling to fight back. "Sir, why don't you use a less lethal attack?"

Urias was in a tough spot. He could not just admit defeat in front of his apprentices. That would be an even bigger embarrassment than losing.

"He's free to retaliate if he wants to,” Urias said.

"I'm a man of my word. Go ahead and attack me all you want. I won't hold it against you even if you end up killing me,” Adrian repeated.

Urias developed a respect for Adrian. Despite havi