The arena floor cleared as Mirabella and Elena took their positions at opposite ends of the vast combat space.
The atmosphere was electric with anticipation; two daughters of legendary noble families, each representing the pinnacle of magical breeding and training, about to demonstrate why their bloodlines commanded respect across the surface.
Mirabella drew her single dagger with fluid grace, the weapon gleaming with inner frost as she channeled magic through its enhanced edge.
The air temperature around her dropped noticeably as she connected to the loom's second layer, ice crystals beginning to form in the air itself, suspended like deadly ornaments.
Elena's Stage 1 Radiant Phoenix rune activated, her eyes beginning to glow with golden light as her Phoenix Vision enhanced her perception.
She could see heat signatures, energy flows, and calculate precise distances—crucial for optimal portal placement within her line of sight.
"Begin!"
CRACK!
