The battle continued with relentless intensity.
Thamoryn vanished and reappeared in rapid succession, her body flickering like a strobe of light across the arena.
Each time she materialized, she released another blade of light aimed at Tzar from a different angle.
Tzar remained calm, moving his sword with precision and deflecting each attack as it came. His eyes tracked her movements, reading the subtle shifts in light that preceded her appearances.
She came at him from above. He blocked.
She appeared to his right. He blocked again.
From behind. He turned and deflected.
His defense was flawless, but Thamoryn wasn't slowing down.
She pressed the assault, her speed overwhelming, her attacks coming faster and faster.
Then Tzar stopped moving.
He planted his feet firmly on the ground and exhaled slowly. His grip on his sword tightened, and his eyes closed for a brief moment.
When they opened, his entire demeanor had changed.
"Eighth Martial Gate," he said quietly.
