The distance separating them disappeared in less than a heartbeat. Steel met steel in a loud collision of metal.
A deafening shockwave burst outward, throwing snow into the sky like a miniature blizzard. The impact rippled through the training grounds, shaking nearby trees until heavy blankets of snow fell from their branches.
Their swords remained locked together, not willing to surrender first.
Atheline smiled, delight in his gaze.
"So this is your strongest stance."
Helther's lips curved into a grin.
"You noticed."
"Your breathing changed, it's calmer than before."
"So did yours."
For a brief moment, the world seemed to stand still as the brothers fell into a standstill, then both pushed off each other simultaneously.
Helther's blade flashed as he struck at him consistently as Atheline met him with almost the same ferocity. In Helther's strikes, there were no unnecessary movements or elaborate techniques, only years upon years of refinement.
