The air was heavy.
Not with magic.Not with cheers.But with tension.
A hush rippled through the crowd as Kai and Cassian stood at opposite ends of the marble arena. No beasts had been summoned yet. No opening spell cast.
Only two fighters, both built to kill, watching… measuring… calculating.
Cassian broke the stillness first—his stance shifting low, twin blades drawn, one in a reverse grip and the other forward. His movements were clean, fluid, efficient.
Kai remained still. One hand near the hilts of his twin daggers, his posture deceptively loose.His eyes were sharp. Focused.
Then—
Clang!
Cassian surged forward in a blur, his right blade aiming straight for Kai's shoulder in a thrust so quick it barely left an afterimage.
Kai stepped into it.
Pivoted.
Clash!
Their blades met in a metallic shriek. Kai's right dagger caught the strike at just the right angle to redirect it—not block, but deflect. His left hand moved instantly for Cassian's ribs.
