Air exploded from his lungs. His body lifted off the ground, flying backward.
CRASH!
He slammed into one of the stone pillars. His back hit hard, head snapping forward from the impact. The pillar cracked slightly where he collided.
Alaric stayed there for a moment. Breathing. His chest ached where the kick had landed.
Then he pushed himself up. Steady despite the pain. His hand came up, wiped at his chin where blood had split his lip.
He's strong.
Luke stood in the center, katana still ready. He tilted his head slightly.
"Still wanna go?"
Alaric rolled his shoulders. Cracked his neck... once left, once right. The sound echoed in the quiet room.
"I'm just getting started."
His eyes hardened.
[Burst Step!]
Flames erupted beneath his feet.
He shot forward.
Luke's katana came up to intercept.
But Alaric twisted mid-movement. His hand swept outward.
[Fireball!]
The sphere of flame manifested instantly and shot toward Luke's face.
