While Jax and Selene clashed against Drevin and Iselde on the far end of the arena, another battle raged—just as fierce, just as desperate.
Ron and Lia, bloodied and exhausted, stood shoulder-to-shoulder against Maera and Col.
Selene's runes still glimmered faintly on their bodies—faint armor, faint speed, faint strength—but even that small boost had become the lifeline keeping them standing.
And unlike before, Ron and Lia fought like a single blade.
Ron swung, Lia struck.
Lia feinted, Ron pressured.
Their steps matched. Their breaths matched. Their timing—near perfect.
As Maera lunged forward, Ron's spear intercepted her claws, sparks flying. Lia slipped in instantly, her sword flashing in a sharp upward slice that forced Col to pull back.
Col countered, blades sweeping in low arcs—but Ron's spear shaft dropped, blocking both swords, and Lia pivoted over the back of the spear, twisting mid-air to deliver a flipping kick that nearly hit Maera's jaw.
