I slammed into Marc Fairlight with all the force I could muster, our auras colliding in a spectacular explosion of gold and blue. The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the courtyard, cracking stone and shattering the remaining windows.
Marc staggered back, surprise flashing across his face. He clearly hadn't expected me to match his power so easily.
"Impossible," he hissed, quickly regaining his composure. "You're no Martial Sage."
I didn't waste breath responding. Instead, I pressed my advantage, channeling energy into my fist and driving it toward his chest. Marc barely deflected the blow, his eyes widening as the force behind my attack pushed him back several feet.
"You'll regret insulting Isabelle," I said, advancing steadily.
Marc's face contorted with rage. He unleashed a flurry of strikes, each empowered with his ice-blue energy. I weaved through them, feeling the cold burn as several grazed my shoulders and arms.
