Elena led Marcus to a lower level beneath the warehouse. The stairs descended into darkness, lit only by flickering emergency lights. The air grew colder with each step.
"Where are we going?" Marcus asked.
"The Proving Ground. It's where all Volkov warriors are tested." Elena pushed open a heavy metal door. "Where we learn if someone has what it takes to survive."
Beyond the door was a massive underground arena. The space was circular, maybe fifty feet across, with concrete walls scarred by countless battles. Weapons hung on racks—swords, spears, staffs, all gleaming with that strange red energy Marcus had seen before.
Five people stood in the arena. All warriors. All with glowing blue eyes marking them as Reborn Volkovs.
"These are my best fighters," Elena said. "Each one has trained
