The moment they moved again, the battlefield erupted into chaos.
Alex and Xylo disappeared simultaneously, and the ground where they had stood exploded a fraction of a second later. The delayed shockwave tore through the terrain, ripping apart layers of stone and sending debris flying in all directions. The air compressed violently, and the pressure alone forced nearby observers to retreat instinctively.
Their next collision occurred dozens of meters above the ground. A burst of light flashed as Alex's fist met the descending arc of Xylo's blade. The impact produced a ringing sound that resembled metal striking metal, despite the fact that Alex had blocked with his bare hand. The force propagated outward, distorting the air into visible ripples.
Both of them were pushed back.
Alex twisted midair and landed lightly
Xylo landed opposite him, sliding across the shattered ground before stopping with his sword angled downward.
Neither spoke. Both launched forward again.
