"Congratulations," Ethan said with a grin. "You got it right."
The moment he confirmed it, Garrick's face twisted into a kaleidoscope of disbelief, horror, and something close to awe. A Tier 5 Enhanced—at this stage? It was unthinkable.
But the truth was right in front of him. That barbell swing had shattered his Rockfall like it was made of Styrofoam. No Tier 4 could've done that. Only Tier 5.
"You had your fun," Ethan said, voice turning cold. "Now it's my turn."
He hefted the barbell bar again and charged.
Garrick, drained from summoning that massive boulder, didn't have the juice to cast another Rockfall. Instead, he threw up a thick wall of earth between them, hoping to buy a second.
It didn't help.
Ethan's barbell bar smashed through the wall like it was wet cardboard. Dirt exploded outward, and before Garrick could react, Ethan was already swinging again.
Garrick raised his machete in a desperate block.
CLANG—CRACK!
