[Don't Buy Priv]
Then—
"Begin."
Professor Lyssena's voice cracked like a whip.
And the tension shattered.
FWOOSH!
Cassian moved first.
His body shot forward like a released spring, drawing his left sword in a fluid motion mid-dash.
The blade came in low, aimed for Lei Mei's side, testing her reflexes right off the bat.
But...
Lei Mei didn't blink.
CLANG!
He skidded back.
Maintaining the distance.
And clenched his teeth a little, arm little number from hitting something harder.
Then he took his second short sword, twisting it into a reverse grip as he settled into a lower stance.
His crimson eyes sharpened, locking onto Lei Mei like a predator gauging the defenses of another apex beast.
No more playful smirks. No more testing strikes. That earlier barrage had cost him.
Lei Mei stood across the ring, frost curling at her boots, the air around her cold enough to fog breath and frost steel.
Her expression hadn't changed, calm and poised.
