Byun twisted, his instincts sharp, just in time to meet Jae's next move. His shadows coalesced into a shield, thick and solid, wrapping in front of him like a wall. Jae's Dragonfire Blade came down in a burning arc, crashing against it.
The clash was deafening. Fire and shadow roared together, sparks bursting outward in all directions. The ground cracked beneath the pressure, and the air shimmered with heat. Students shielded their faces, some gasping, others cheering.
For a long moment, neither side gave way.
Byun's jaw clenched as he pushed his mana harder, shadows reinforcing against the pressure. Jae leaned into the strike, fire blazing hotter, molten skin flaring brighter.
The space between them rippled, light and darkness colliding so fiercely that the air itself seemed to warp.
