Kanon chuckles, low and cruel, his grin widening as he eyes Karu.
Karu's eyes flare red. He steps closer, blade raised, flames licking its edge. Kanon's grin twists into something darker, more wicked.
If he's this happy… "he clearly hasn't gone all out" Karu thinks, tightening his grip.
"And if that's true… running now would just be cowardice"
He bends his knees, pressing his blade forward. Mana crackles violently around him, sparks scorching the ground. Kanon's eyes widen, gleeful excitement flickering in their depths.
"A new attack, huh? Well, what are you waiting for? Launch it!" Kanon taunts.
Karu smirks, his mana surging. "Want it, huh?" His blade ignites with roaring flames. Just a little more… then I win.
Flames erupt from the floor as Karu vanishes in a blur.
He reappears behind Kanon, eyes blazing. Sparks trail from his blade as he swings, slicing through the air with a force that rattles the dojo walls. Kanon grins — but the swing cuts deep into his shoulder, tearing fabric and flesh. He howls, stepping back, crimson dripping from the wound.
Karu gasps, adrenaline coursing. "Finally… I broke through".
But Kanon laughs, his eyes gleaming with sadistic joy. In a blur, he counters, catching Karu's leg mid-swing. Bone cracks audibly as Kanon's strike slams through, and Karu collapses, pain shredding his focus.
"Oh, don't cry now," Kanon mocks, raising his hand. "I haven't even started."
Before Karu can react, Kanon's blade slashes across his chest, leaving a burning, gaping cut. Karu stumbles back, blood spraying, coughs choking out through flames and smoke. Yet, his eyes flare red again — defiance refusing to die.
Kanon steps forward, blood streaking from both of them, grin wide, sword dripping. "Impressive willpower, kid. Most humans scream after a scratch. You… you're entertaining."
Karu's fists clench. His blade sparks once more, and with a roar of mana, he lunges, igniting the dojo in flames as sparks and blood fly. The fight is chaos incarnate bone and steel, fire and blood, each strike a testament to their rage and skill.
Karu's eyes flare red, blazing brighter than ever. He will not fall. Not yet.