(Planet Juxta, The Sky Above, Charles's POV)
Raymond took the bait to test Charles's defense, as he charged, the crimson domain rippling outward with each step until the skies themselves seemed to march with him.
His body blurred forward like a falling star, black hair whipping behind him as his eyes locked coldly on Charles, before launching the first strike.
*CRRRRSHHH*
It wasn't a slash of steel but an entire wall of intent, compressed into a red blade of force that tore through the sky and carried the weight of mountains.
Charles saw it in an instant, not with his eyes, but with Intent Mastery, the thread flashing scarlet from Raymond's hand to his own chest, as he moved at the last second to block.
*Block*
His sword tilted just so, sliding the cut aside with a ringing clash, but the force of it still shook his bones and sent his arms quivering.
'Even when I defend perfectly, I bleed power. His strength is absurd.'
