For Xuelong, time halted. Both combatants stared, tension thick in the air. Suddenly, Aurelia's wings flapped and shot projectiles at Ryan. He quickly deflected them. The ground exploded beneath him, dust swirling over his figure. In a blink, Aurelia vanished; she carved a deep trench, flinging dirt everywhere.
Ryan emerged from the dust, sword swinging. He unleashed two quick reddish sword aura attacks, which Aurelia deflected with her shield before charging in for close combat.
Xuelong blinked in disbelief, "Since when can Ryan use such a form of attack?"
Ryan dodged another lance attack, followed by dodging a well-timed shield bash as he gritted his teeth in anger and frustration.
He knew Avtis was behind his strength and felt grateful, as it had saved his life. Still, Aurelia was formidable. Even with the power-up, one hit from her could end him, but the reverse was not true.
'I will have to disarm her somehow, before I can bathe in her...'
