Nova's blade slashed forward again, but Betty twirled back, the ribs of her strange umbrella catching the glint of the moonlight.
She grinned like a fox, every movement fluid, almost playful—but Nova could sense the intent behind each dodge, each block.
She wasn't just toying with him. She was studying him.
"You've got good instincts. But you hold back."
She said, voice light, teasing.
"I don't need my full strength to deal with you."
Nova muttered, stepping into a low stance. His aether surged, the ground beneath them cracking faintly with pressure.
Betty arched a brow, her stance shifting too, more guarded now.
"Then try harder."
They clashed again, a thunderclap of aether and steel shaking the corridor. Nova's strikes came fast, relentless.
Betty blocked with that odd umbrella, but the strain started to show in her arm. With a sharp cry, she spun away, kicking off the wall to put distance between them.
