The shockwave dissipated. Dust settled slowly onto the cracked earth. Fin stood opposite the man, his green energy staff held steady. The man hefted the dark, rune-etched bat, rolling his shoulders as if shaking off stiffness.
"Impressive light show," the man said, his voice rough. "Let's see if it holds up."
He lunged forward, the bat swinging in a low, horizontal arc aimed at Fin's legs. Fin leaped backwards, the bat whistling through the air beneath his feet. He landed lightly, immediately bringing the staff down in a vertical chop towards the man's head.
The man twisted, bringing the bat up to block. Bat met staff. Green energy flared against pulsing red runes. The impact sent another, smaller shockwave rippling outwards. Both fighters held their ground.
The man pushed forward, using his weight, trying to overpower Fin. Fin pivoted, redirecting the force, letting the bat slide off his staff. He simultaneously thrust the butt end of the staff towards the man's chest.
