Thanks =) It was a bit of a shock seeing how far down the leader board I was, though I wasn't expecting to win. Ah well, I live to pixel another day. :)

In my opinion this piece should have totally won... 

Ok with the red reflection this looks like an awesome piece to me.

Thanks!  I'll try to do you proud. OwO+

Yeah! I'd like to see how it turns out. :)

Do you mind if I try to replicate your style later?  I love how this metal came out. <3

great pixelling, that red glow made the piece twice as cool for me. character design reminds me a lot of that thing from Full Metal Alchemist

 So cool!

While I really like how the monster looks, I think it might stand out a little too much. I didn't notice the warrior until I read your description :P

Very well pixelled, but the light on the monster doesn't say underground to me. It could be much more mysterious, hidden in shadow.

 Well rendered metal. Fine background =) Good work !

Unfortunately it's really good.  I'm not gonna have a chance of even scraping third if things like this keep popping up. T_T