Elysia's movements became sharper, every slash carrying a faint aura of condensed mana, each strike testing Jenner's defenses.
Meanwhile, Jenner's casting grew more elaborate—chains of spells weaving together, fire blending into wind, lightning striking from ice shards.
The arena floor cracked and smoked, scorch marks and jagged ice littering the once-smooth surface.
Their breathing grew heavier, but neither gave an inch.
"You fight like a storm yourself," Jenner said between spells, a note of grudging respect slipping into his tone. "Wild, relentless."
Elysia smirked, blade raised high. "And you hide behind magic like a fortress. But even fortresses fall."
With a sudden burst of speed, she vanished from his line of sight, reappearing at his side with a powerful slash.
Jenner twisted, barely deflecting with another barrier, though this one cracked instantly under the force.
Sweat beaded his forehead. For the first time, his breathing hitched.
