Arkan's charge was so fast that Lira barely saw him move.
One blink
and he was already in front of Kael.
Their swords clashed again.
CLANG!
The impact shook the entire chamber.
Kael slid back but kept his footing this time.
Arkan raised an eyebrow.
"You're adapting."
Kael didn't answer.
He rushed forward, swinging with all the strength he had.
Arkan blocked every strike like it was nothing.
Not struggling.
Not even sweating.
Lira watched, terrified.
"Kael be careful!"
Kael didn't look away from Arkan.
"I'm fine! Stay behind the Seer!"
But Lira's light flickered in fear.
Her heartbeat raced Kael felt it through the bond.
Arkan pressed forward and pushed Kael back again.
"You hesitate," Arkan said calmly.
"That hesitation will kill you."
Kael gritted his teeth.
"I'm not fighting for myself."
He exploded into motion, shadows gathering around his body like smoke.
He swung downward
Arkan caught the blade with one hand.
Just his hand.
Kael's eyes widened.
"…What?"
Arkan pushed Kael back with a small shove.
"You rely too much on strength. Use your bond."
Lira stepped forward.
"But Kael can't do that alone"
Arkan turned his cold eyes toward her.
"You. Stay silent."
Lira stepped back, trembling.
Kael's rage spiked.
"Don't talk to her like that!"
He rushed forward again
Arkan side-stepped and struck Kael in the stomach with the hilt of his sword.
Kael was thrown back, landing hard near the crystal wall.
"KAEL!" Lira sprinted toward him.
Kael coughed, holding his side.
He whispered, struggling for breath:
"He… hits harder than the Devourer…"
Lira placed her hand over Kael's chest.
"Kael… let the bond help you."
Kael tried to stand.
"How?"
The Seer spoke loudly:
"Stop fighting alone! The bond reacts to emotion. Lira's power can strengthen you but you must accept it!"
Kael looked at Lira.
Her silver light glowed in her chest, weak but steady.
"I can help you," she whispered.
"Just let me."
Arkan didn't wait.
He charged again, blade raised.
Lira grabbed Kael's hand.
A pulse
Silver and black energy rushed through them.
Kael's eyes widened.
He felt… lighter. Faster.
Lira gasped.
Her light mixed with Kael's shadow warm and steady, not painful.
Arkan swung down
Kael disappeared from the spot.
He moved behind Arkan in an instant.
Arkan turned, barely blocking Kael's strike.
Kael smirked slightly.
"Not so easy now, huh?"
Arkan's eyes narrowed.
"So this is your bond's strength."
Kael pushed forward, forcing Arkan back step by step.
Lira watched, her heart racing.
"Kael… you're doing it!"
Arkan twisted and kicked Kael away.
Kael hit the ground but rolled back onto his feet immediately.
He didn't feel the pain.
Lira's light was still flowing into him.
Arkan lowered his stance.
"Interesting… you actually improved."
Kael pointed his sword at him.
"I'm not the one fighting alone anymore."
Lira stood behind Kael, silver light surrounding her hands.
"We fight together."
Arkan paused.
Then nodded slightly.
"Good. Then I will stop holding back."
He vanished
And appeared behind Lira.
Kael's eyes widened.
"LIRA!"
Arkan's blade came down
But Lira raised her hands instinctively.
A blast of silver light exploded outward.
BOOM!
Arkan was pushed back several steps, dust swirling around him.
Kael ran to Lira.
"Are you okay?!"
She nodded, shaking but unharmed.
"I just… reacted."
Kael smiled, relieved.
"That's enough."
The Seer stared, shocked.
"I didn't expect her to release controlled light so soon…"
Arkan stepped out of the dust.
A small smile formed on his normally emotionless face.
"Now I see it."
Kael raised his sword again.
"See what?"
Arkan pointed at the two of them.
"You two together… are dangerous."
He raised his blade.
"That makes this fight more interesting."
Kael and Lira stood side by side as the bond pulsed stronger than ever.
The real fight was only beginning.