Determined to gain the upper hand, Orion steadied himself once more, focusing his full attention on the formidable Echo before him.
The increased density of mana within the arena heightened his senses, the calm lighting casting sharp reflections off the Echo's polished armor and blade.
He tightened his grip on Realm Guardian, the obsidian longsword balanced perfectly but feeling oddly inadequate for the first time.
The Echo lunged again, closing distance with blinding speed. Orion pivoted smoothly, raising his sword defensively just in time.
Their blades collided fiercely, the metallic clash reverberating sharply through the chamber. Yet Orion immediately felt the impact radiating painfully through his wrist and arm—evidence of his opponent's superior physical strength.
Recovering swiftly, Orion stepped backward, his eyes locked sharply onto the Echo's precise movements, carefully analyzing its impeccable footwork.
