The semi-final was already at its breaking point.
The human fighter, that same one from the opening fight and a female Oni adventurer had been trading blows for minutes, and the arena floor bore the scars. Cracked stone, and impact craters marked where their auras had collided. Both fighters bled from shallow cuts, their breathing heavy but controlled.
The human, Silas, moved like a fortress given motion. Every strike carried devastating weight behind disciplined skill. His greatsword cut through the air with precision that belied its massive size.
Hanae matched him step for step. The Oni woman stood nearly as tall as he did, her red-marked arms gleaming with sweat as she wielded twin war axes. She fought with the refined brutality that marked Oni martial culture; graceful savagery, every movement purposeful.
They clashed again. Metal screamed. The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the protective barrier, and the crowd leaned forward.
