Dark energy surged down the steel, carving hexes into the air with every swing. She lunged, striking faster than thought, and for a moment—just a moment—it looked like she had the edge.
But Leohtar parried with monstrous ease.
Her blade sparked against his axe, but he didn't give ground. Each of his swings tore shockwaves through the battlefield. Dust, rubble, and force swirled around them as her cursed blade clashed again and again… until I saw her footing stagger.
She was giving everything.
And it still wasn't enough.
I didn't know her exact level, but she was in the early 60s if I was being generous, but considering her young age, she was likely in the late 50s instead.
Anyhow. I didn't allow myself to stare any longer. If my elemental powers weren't enough… if fire and earth and raw power couldn't so much as slow this beast down, then I had no choice.
I took a breath.
Let the fire fade.
And reached instead into the cold, heavy vault of death that I carried in my soul.
