The clown spun lightly on his toes, appearing behind Kali. With his back to her, he thrust his dagger backward in an effortless motion.
CLANG!
Kali twisted aside, her greatsword parrying the dagger. A thin black thread extended from the dark aura around her, snuffing out the life of a Holy Professional behind her.
Her strength was nowhere near the clown's, but by drawing on a portion of her authority, she absorbed the life sacrifices of the Holy Professionals, granting her the temporary power to contend with him.
In that brief moment, a flash of excitement crossed the clown's face, his eyes widening.
He could see the Holy Professionals in the distance, their eyes fixed on the fight—no, the *performance*.
"Yes, this is it. This is the feeling. Watch me. Linger for me. Let me finish this spectacular show. It's magnificent..."
CLANG, CLANG, CLANG...
