Arthur used this to his advantage.
He let the insanity of the man guide the rhythm of the fight. When the man overextended, Arthur punished him. When he raged, Arthur baited him further.
A vine grazed Arthur's thigh, slicing deep enough to draw blood. He hissed but didn't retreat.
Instead, he layered execution intent into his next strike, the dagger cutting deeper than before. Fire exploded from the wound, forcing the corrupted mana back.
The battle dragged on, and signs of its late stage became clear. The man's movements grew heavier. His attacks were powerful but less precise.
Arthur stood at the center of his domain, breathing steadily.
He felt it.
The edge was his.
Yet he didn't rush the finish.
He moved with purpose, shaping fire into new forms mid-battle, chaining attacks together in ways he hadn't tried before. Spear to explosion. Explosion to chain. Chain to close combat.
Creative and fluid.
