The cavern blazed alive as Rondan clashed with the Warden, steel ringing against obsidian. The sheer force of the creature's axe sent tremors racing through the ground, each strike threatening to cleave the world in two.
Rondan spun aside, the motions of his martial dance carrying him just beyond death's edge. His sword sparked against stone as he redirected a blow, twisting his body with fluid precision. Every step was survival, every breath a gamble.
The Warden moved with terrifying purpose—unyielding, unrelenting. Its body burned with ancient fire, each strike heavier than the last, pressing Rondan further into the collapsing arena of stone.
Leina's voice echoed from the sidelines, strained with urgency.
"Don't block him head-on! Wardens are born of the chains—his strength is endless in this place!"
But Rondan had no choice. The axe came down like thunder, and he raised his blade, the impact cracking the ground beneath his feet. Sparks of crimson flame bled from his arms, wreathing his sword.
The whisper stirred again in his mind.
"Unleash me. Burn him."
He gritted his teeth, twisting his body in a spiral. His movements became faster, sharper—each strike of his sword flowing seamlessly into the next, not as defense, but as rhythm. His martial dance ignited, flames trailing his blade like crimson arcs across the dark.
The Warden roared, swinging its axe in a wide arc. Rondan leapt, spinning midair, his cloak aflame as he brought his blade crashing down. For a moment, the cavern exploded with light—crimson fire against obsidian might.
The impact threw them apart. Rondan crashed to one knee, breath ragged, sword glowing like molten iron. The Warden staggered back as well, for the first time faltering.
Leina's eyes widened. "You… hurt it."
Rondan's gaze locked on the fissure that now burned across the Warden's chest. The creature growled, and the flames in its helm flared brighter.
So… they can bleed.
The Warden lifted its axe again, slower now but more furious, each step cracking the stone beneath it.
Rondan rose to his feet, his crimson eyes burning with defiance.
"Then this dance isn't over."
And with renewed fire, he charged back into the storm.