The fox sat comfortably atop a nearby stone, curling its tail around itself. It blinked sleepily looking at the two brothers. Apparently deciding it had found the best seat to half-watch the siblings spar.
Helther raised his sword.
The relaxed atmosphere vanished instantly and the air changed. Pressure spread across the arena. Snow lifted gently from the ground.
Atheline recognized the stance immediately. The same opening posture Helther had used for years.
It was simple, direct with no wasted movement since he was a pure swordsmanship.
His own stance shifted naturally, his sword lowered slightly. Wind gathered around his feet.
Neither moved.
The silence stretched as they gauged each other. Then, Helther disappeared. His acceleration simply exceeded what ordinary eyes could comfortably follow.
Atheline smiled.
"So that's how we're starting."
Their swords collided. A shockwave erupted through the arena and snow exploded outward.
