Darren wore an air of pride and corrected the earlier statement, saying, "That was last year. Just two months ago, I broke my own record. Now, it's 13 stone slabs!"Mabel's face lit up with excitement, and she eagerly praised him, "Mr. Thornton, you are truly impressive, a paragon of vitality and strength. You have my utmost admiration!""It's nothing worth mentioning," Darren said modestly, though his demeanor betrayed his growing self-satisfaction.In the room stood two other elders, their faces marked by a subtle deference. Both of them stood and bowed slightly to Darren in greeting."These two are Elden Pattinson and Benjamin Sunner," Mabel introduced. "They've also come to assist in tonight's duel."Darren offered them only a brief nod, his lack of courtesy apparent.The martial world adhered strictly to a hierarchy of strength. Though both Elden and Benjamin inwardly felt slighted, they refrained from showing it.Elden forced a polite smile and said, "It's an honor to coll
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