The sound of steel on steel rang through the chamber — sharp, bright, and merciless.
Avin lunged forward, blade sweeping across the air. Henry twisted his wrist, meeting the blow with a clean parry that sent sparks flying between them. The vibration shuddered up both their arms, a pulse of raw energy that only made them step closer, swords locking midair.
Clang!Clash!Shhhrang!
Each collision left trails of light streaking across the floor as their mana-infused blades carved faint afterimages into the air.
Henry moved fast — faster than Avin had expected — his footwork crisp, balanced, professional. Each step he took made the tiles beneath him crack slightly from the sheer pressure of mana pulsing through his legs.
Avin countered blow after blow, eyes flashing crimson with each swing. He shifted his stance, lowering his center of gravity. The clash became more rhythmic — a staccato of motion, one strike after another, neither holding back.
