The collision of energies reverberated through the chamber like the roar of a collapsing star. Shards of ice and flickering flames spiraled outward, painting the frozen walls with streaks of shadow and lightning. Modret twisted midair, letting his shadow coalesce into a pair of jagged wings that carried him above the guardian's reach.
The guardian's crimson eyes followed him, narrowing, and its voice rolled like distant thunder. "You rely too much on raw power, mortal. True mastery comes from precision."
Modret's grin widened, black lotus petals spinning faster around his fists. "Then I'll give you precision."
He dove, shadow and flame trailing behind him like twin comets. Each strike carved arcs of destruction, forcing the guardian to parry with strength that would have leveled mountains. Sparks flew as the guardian's chaotic energy collided with Modret's controlled storm, creating bursts of light that briefly turned the icy chamber into day.
