Focus! The battle had begun.
Tave grit his teeth, slamming his left hand into a rapid hand seal sequence. At the same time, his eyes caught Theo dashing to the side. Swift, precise, and surprisingly, he sheathed his sword, shifting into his own dual-hand seal formation.
Wait… two hands? That wasn't right. Theo was known for mastering one-handed seals early in his path. Why now…?
No time to hesitate.
Tave surged forward, flames flaring subtly around his limbs. His body felt lighter and sharper. The effect of his new Fire Element Affinity was immediate. Every step felt faster, every move more controlled. The healing boost from his recent level-up and the aura from the Relic gave him just enough recovery to go all in.
Theo had already unsheathed his sword again. He spun, a sharp pivot in the dust.
Both closed the distance, and then came the clash.
Steel met steel.
The sound cracked like thunder in the chamber.
