Elion's golden eye glowed faintly.
"You cannot feel most of it because your technique is suppressing the pain, but I can see every injury."
Her gaze drifted towards his eyes. She seemed to finally understand that they were capable of more than just looking beautiful.
Mayumi lowered her head slightly, biting her lower lip with frustration until it bled.
The water restraints remained around her, though their pressure loosened enough to allow her to breathe more comfortably.
Marilyn stepped closer to the barrier.
"Mayumi."
The young swordswoman remained silent.
"You have fought well," Marilyn continued gently. "But this duel is over."
It would have been simple for Marilyn to just call the match, but she wanted Mayumi to come to terms with it; otherwise, there would be lingering bitterness afterwards.
Mayumi's fingers curled against the stone.
She had known from the first exchange that Elion was stronger. The difference had only become more obvious as the duel continued.
