The valley floor was still trembling.
Golden aura spiraled around Shaurya's frame like a storm.
Molten steam rippled off Lorgann's massive scales, heat distorting the air.
And in front of them—
Shadow Blade An Ning stood with a faint smirk, black aura flickering like living shadow-fire around him.
No one moved.
Not even the wind dared to breathe.
Then—
BOOM—!!
Shaurya sprang forward.
Lorgann charged beside him, molten claws carving trenches into the ground.
An Ning's eyes sharpened.
"Good. Again."
His shadow aura exploded—
And the two sides collided.
Shaurya swung the Meteorite Sword in a sharp arc, golden sparks bursting from its edge.
The blade met An Ning's forearm—
CLANG—!!
A sound like metal striking metal rang across the valley.
An Ning blocked with his bare arm.
The impact forced him half a step back.
Only half.
But it was the first time in their battle he retreated even slightly.
He raised a brow.
"Oh? You've improved already."
Shaurya didn't answer.
