Sssnnnccc—!!
The reddish-black sword tore through the air with a thunderclap. But before it could reach him, a rusted, curved sword leapt into the path, intercepting the strike with a deafening clang!
Sparks burst like miniature suns between them.
Essa stood there, blocking the attack that almost took Leo's head off.
The curved sword groaned, veins of golden light spiderwebbing through its rusted edge as she pushed back, every muscle straining against the weight that bore down like a mountain.
"You call that pride?" Essa spat, meeting Fallen Pride's gaze head-on. "Is ambush all you've got? Or are you afraid to face me head-on?"
Fallen Pride's expression remained unchanged, unreadable.
Her sword glowed in deep crimson, black lightning twisting around the blade. A cruel smile played on her lips.
"Not bad," she murmured coldly. "But talking won't save you."
