Around them the crowd buzzed, unaware of the silent bargain being made in those eyes. The emissary cleared his throat, the sound a reminder that time was still moving, matches still to be decided. Lucian shifted his stance, testing distance as if measuring the heartbeat of the fight. Zero tightened his grip, the glow on his blade dimming and flaring with his breath.
Now, I have to end this. Now it's time I get serious, Lucian said, his eyes narrowing.
Yeah, same here, Zero replied, his voice steady beneath the weight of his armor.
Lucian surged forward, speed blazing as he closed the distance between them. Two swords materialized in his hands. Phantom Fang, he whispered to himself, feeling the energy pulse through him. His movements became a blur.
Zero didn't flinch. Armor still clinging to his frame, he activated Momentum Amplification. His speed spiked, each step precise, each motion prepared to cut down Lucian with the next strike.
