Both orbs moved at the same time.
The instant they left their hands, the air between Damon and Ivy collapsed.
There was no sound at first.
Just a thin distortion in space where crimson heat and absolute cold met.
Then, they collided.
A deafening crack split the battlefield as if reality itself had been struck.
The ground beneath them caved inward.
A shockwave tore outward in every direction, ripping through shattered stone and scorched earth.
"Ugh—!" Nyla was forced back, her boots dragging across the ground as she raised an arm to shield herself from the pressure alone.
Even the serpent Damon had summoned recoiled slightly, its form flickering under the unstable clash of opposing forces.
At the center of it all, the two orbs pressed against each other.
Crimson fire pushed against absolute frost.
Despite the two oppressive forces clashing against one another, neither advanced.
For a moment, they looked perfectly even.
Then something shifted.
