Uga followed like a charging beast.
The attendant's blade flashed.
A clean horizontal slash cut across the space between them. The edge carried mana, turning a simple swing into a sharp pressure wave.
Uga raised his forearm.
The pressure wave struck and burst apart, scattering dust and fragments of stone, but it still pushed him back a fraction.
That fraction was enough.
The attendant used it, stepping in and turning his blade, slashing again and then again. Each strike was precise, each one controlling where Uga could move.
Uga swung his fist through the gaps, trying to break through the line of steel.
The sword met his arm.
The blade did not cut deeply, but it left a thin red line on his skin.
For the first time, blood appeared.
Uga's eyes widened slightly in surprise.
Then his face twisted.
He surged forward again, faster now, anger and instinct driving him as he chased the attendant farther and farther from the summoning circle.
