Riko roared in frustration and charged, his mana flaring wildly. His strikes came faster and harder, but Marco remained untouchable. Each time Riko overcommitted, Marco punished him with clean, devastating counters—no mana, just pure skill and talent.
CRACK! Marco's fist connected with Riko's ribs, the sound sharp and resounding, cutting through the roar of the crowd.
Riko stumbled back, clutching his side, his mana flickering like a dimming flame as the blow stole his breath.
"Keugh!" Gritting his teeth, Riko lunged forward, his foot sliding across the canvas as he threw a straight punch aimed at Marco's jaw. The mana around his arm glowed fiercely, but Marco tilted his head ever so slightly, letting the strike sail past his ear. Without missing a beat, Marco's right hand shot forward, landing a clean hit to Riko's sternum.
