The High Orc moved. It was fast, unnervingly so. It closed the distance in a blur, its halberd a silver streak aimed not at Nero's body, but at the flaming wings on his back—a tactical strike to ground its aerial opponent. Nero was forced to dismiss the wings, rolling forward under the swing. He came up inside the halberd's reach, his sword aiming for the orc's ribs.
Clang!
The orc had anticipated this. It twisted the halberd, using the metal-shod butt to block Nero's thrust. Sparks flew where fire met steel. The force of the block was immense, jarring Nero's arm. This creature was strong.
They broke apart, circling each other. The High Orc feinted a high thrust, then dropped low, sweeping the halberd's shaft at Nero's legs. Nero leaped over it, and in mid-air, he thrust his palm forward.
"Fire Blast!" A concentrated ball of fire shot out.
