Derek attacked immediately, his boots digging into the dirt as he launched forward. His practice sword came in a horizontal slash aimed at Kai's ribs, then immediately transitioned into an upward cut toward the shoulder. The blade whistled through the air, fire essence crackling along its edge like embers dancing in wind.
Kai's sword moved to intercept, meeting the first strike with a sharp clang that sent vibrations up both their arms. He angled his blade to deflect the upward cut, the practice weapons scraping against each other with a metallic screech before separating.
Derek didn't pause. He planted his left foot and spun, his blade coming around in a wide arc enhanced by the rotational momentum. At the same time, earth essence flowed down through his legs into the ground, creating small ridges beneath his feet that gave him additional stability and power.
Kai stepped back smoothly, his sword rising to block the spinning strike. The impact was solid pushing him back a bit.
