Valerius's crimson blade slashed downward at blinding speed. Roland barely dodged as the blood runes flared, the strike detonating against the floor in an explosion.
He backed away in an instant to avoid the blast, then surged forward just as fast, spear aimed to pierce through the vampire's armor. Twilight energy coursed along the weapon, the tip glowing as he charged power into Eclipse Edge.
The spear flared with blinding radiance, and when Roland thrust upward, the clash burst in a storm of sparks and shadow. Valerius staggered back several steps, forced to give ground. Yet Roland realized he hadn't made solid contact, the vampire's speed was simply too great.
Even so, Valerius hissed as he glanced at his weapon, now showing hairline cracks. His shoulder plate bore scorched damage where the spear had grazed.
The vampire king only laughed, crimson eyes gleaming with hunger. "Yes… more! You are not as the demons described. You grow stronger with every battle!"
