Her chest heaved violently, rising and falling like raging waves, each breath as if it might burst free from all restraint.
She gasped for air with her mouth wide open, wheezing like an old, battered bellows. The sound of her rough breathing echoed through the space—loud and labored.
Crystal-clear sweat poured from every inch of her body like a dam breaking, soaking her clothes within moments.
The sweat trickled down her pale forehead like winding streams, eventually merging into a torrent that blurred her once sharp, luminous vision.
Yet even in such a battered state, her beautiful eyes still burned with unwavering determination. That light—resolute and brilliant—shone like the brightest stars in the night sky. It revealed a will unbroken and indomitable.
Across from her, Shajin moved with ease and confidence. His movements were as graceful and fluid as a dancing butterfly.
Each strike was perfectly timed—accurate, fierce, and ruthless—leaving Clorinde no room to catch her breath, let alone retaliate.
His fists were like lightning, his strikes pouring down like a storm. One after another, they came—dense, dizzying, and impossible to predict. His footwork was even more astounding, varied and unpredictable.
At times, his kicks were explosive, like a ferocious leopard pouncing on its prey. At other times, they flowed with serpentine agility, slithering through invisible gaps.
Clorinde had no way to defend herself against these ghostlike, elusive attacks. All she could do was endure and hang on.
In this intense, breath-stealing battle, she gradually felt herself reaching her limit.
Her strength burned away like a candle in a raging wind, and her once nimble footwork now staggered, unsteady and strained.
Meanwhile, Shajin's offensive grew even fiercer, wave after wave crashing down on her, as if he meant to end the fight then and there.
Suddenly, Shajin halted his assault and raised an eyebrow at her.
"This isn't fun anymore. I'll allow you to use your Vision. At least then I can enjoy myself a little."
Clorinde didn't hesitate. A flicker of excitement flashed through her eyes.
Without delay, she drew upon her elemental power. The Electro Vision on her chest burst forth with blinding light, and surging lightning surged around her like a tidal wave.
In an instant, Clorinde seemed reborn, invigorated and full of spirit.
She gripped her weapon—Judgment of Mercy—tightly. It pulsed with a chilling violet light, sharp and menacing.
In a flash, that light gathered into a massive bolt of lightning that surged toward Shajin like a thunderclap.
Shajin, seeing the deadly strike hurtling toward him, only smirked with scorn.
He tilted his head slightly and dodged it with ease, as if it were nothing.
Sidestepping, he closed the distance and launched a powerful kick aimed directly at her sword.
Caught off guard, Clorinde instinctively let go, and the weapon flew from her hand, clattering away in the distance.
Shajin seized the opportunity. His fists blurred, striking Clorinde repeatedly. She let out a muffled grunt, stumbling back under the barrage.
Still, Clorinde didn't yield. She steadied herself and launched another attack.
Shajin noticed the change in her—her stance had shifted.
He grew more focused.
In a flash, he avoided her strike and grabbed her arm.
With a powerful swing, he flung her through the air.
Clorinde twisted in midair and landed on her feet, skidding back but staying upright.
She inhaled deeply and lunged again, this time with all her strength. Her speed had clearly increased.
Shajin's eyes narrowed in mild surprise, but he still evaded her effortlessly.
Back and forth they clashed, neither gaining the upper hand. The air around them grew tense, electrified by the ferocity of their fight.
Then suddenly, Shajin spotted an opening and delivered a sharp kick to Clorinde's abdomen.
She winced in pain, clutching her stomach as she dropped into a crouch.
Shajin surged forward, preparing to deliver the finishing blow.
At that moment, Clorinde raised her head, her eyes flashing with resolve.
With the last of her strength, she unleashed a powerful burst of lightning.
Caught off guard, Shajin was struck and staggered back a few steps.
Clorinde saw her chance. She sprang to her feet and grabbed the fallen sword.
"This fight… is far from over!"
Her voice was firm, every word etched with defiance.
Without pause, she hurled Absolution, now blazing with raging Electro energy.
The weapon drew a radiant arc through the air, streaking toward Shajin with terrifying speed.
He merely tilted his head again, effortlessly dodging the projectile.
But just as he shifted, a sudden chill crept up from his waist.
He glanced down.
At some point, Clorinde had pulled out a uniquely crafted handgun and pressed it to his side with stunning speed and precision.
"Got you," Clorinde said coldly, her finger resting on the trigger. One pull, and it would all be over.
But in that critical instant, a golden light flickered in Shajin's eyes.
He moved with inhuman reflexes and terrifying speed.
Without warning, he lashed out with a vicious kick, his leg like a cannonball smashing into Clorinde.
She never saw it coming.
There was a dull thud, and she flew backward like a kite with its string cut.
Her body arced through the air before crashing to the ground, rolling several times before finally coming to a stop.
She lay there, dusty and disheveled, completely spent.
The golden gleam faded from Shajin's eyes.
He sighed and raised both hands in surrender.
"Sorry, Miss Clorinde. My muscle memory kicked in and I accidentally used Imaginary. Guess that means I lose this match~"
Clorinde leaned on her sword to push herself up, a bitter smile on her lips.
"No… restricting your power was never fair. I never expected to win. I just wanted to see how far I still am from someone truly strong."
Shajin shrugged.
He stepped forward and offered her a hand.
_
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