Milly's fists flew again, each strike precise and calculated. She moved like a blur, dodging the Sage's follow-up spells with only the momentum of her own body as her guide.
"You rely entirely on your body, huh?" the Sage said, sidestepping a punch and leaning back just enough to let her momentum carry her past him. "Bold… or foolish."
"I'm not foolish," Milly replied through gritted teeth, ducking under a spinning kick. Her movements were fluid, a dance of force and balance honed from months of self-training. "I just… haven't shown everything I can do."
The Sage chuckled softly, brushing imaginary dust from his sleeve. "Yet you have spirit. Most would crumble under a barrage like the one I unleashed. You, however…" He raised an eyebrow, assessing her. "You adapt."
Milly lunged forward, aiming a sweeping strike at his midsection. The Sage blocked it with the flat of his forearm, and the impact sent a resonant echo through the arena.
"You're strong," he admitted, tilting his head as if savoring a rare challenge. "But raw power only takes you so far. Strength without control is dangerous… to yourself."
"I don't need magic to fight," Milly countered, spinning back and aiming a knee at his chest. Her movements were careful, deliberate; she wanted to test him without revealing her true abilities. "I can handle this."
The Sage smiled faintly. "We'll see." He straightened, his stance relaxed but ready, as if the battle were a simple exercise to him.
Milly's eyes narrowed. Every dodge, every punch, every movement tested her limits, her stamina, her ingenuity. Each time she struck, the Sage adapted, and each time he countered, she learned something new.
Minutes stretched on, but neither gave in. The arena felt suspended in time, a stage for their clash of skill versus experience.
"Not bad, little teacher," the Sage said, panting slightly, though his posture remained firm. "You move like someone who has lived many lives already."
"I'm just getting started," Milly replied, her voice low but firm, eyes blazing with determination. "I'll keep going… no matter what."
And with that, she launched herself at him again, fists flying, her body the only weapon in a battle of wits and strength.