The Second Aurum

Jake blinked dumbfoundedly three times as he considered how to answer the question, then realized he didn't have to lie.

"Tie game. You were both this close to merging with the Mana Storm when I found you." He confessed sincerely, simultaneously giving them a sympathetic pat on the shoulder.

The two giants deflated with dejection, their eyes staring down at their feet in disappointment. The members present could also hear Rogen muttering under his breath, "Next time I'll win."

Everyone burst out laughing and Jake couldn't help but look at them with amusement. The best thing about these two silly brutes was that they were so focused on their own duel that they hadn't hurt any of their comrades.

Despite their uselessness in the final battle, their obsessive rivalry had probably saved the lives of a few Myrtharian Nerds. If Gerulf and Rogen had really gone on a rampage on the battlefield, no one could predict what the consequences would have been for them and the enemy.