I can feel every fiber in my arm muscles straining, vibrating, and tearing from the impact. Even with my boosted stats, the power running through me is pushing my body to its limit… but I can't dwell on that. If I lose focus for even a heartbeat, this fight is over.
Glorius's lips curl into a wild smirk as we remain locked in place, neither of us able to overpower the other. Around us, the crowd stirs, the noise spilling into my ears. I catch Powder's booming voice cheering for me, Roxy's quick, ragged breaths, and the frightened whispers of the clerk siblings. The girl hides behind her brother, both of them frozen, eyes wide.
Why can't I gain the upper hand?
I break the lock, dropping into a low squat, then spinning upward in a violent whirl. A miniature cyclone erupts around me, carrying my blade in a sweeping arc. The idea came from watching dust storms: those wild, twisting winds that seem impossible to break. Now, I'll make that storm my offense.
