Seasnake's expression remained cold and analytical, but his eyes flickered with a hint of irritation. His ambush had failed, his subordinates had been eliminated, and now he was forced to face August alone.
"Impressive," he said. "You dispatched them faster than I anticipated. Perhaps I underestimated you."
August shrugged. "You underestimated me the moment you thought a few rogues could kill me."
Seasnake's smile widened, his metallic features twisting into a grotesque expression of amusement. "Perhaps. But you are still just an apprentice, August. And I am a Peak First-Rank Sorcerer. There is a difference."
He lunged forward, his blade-arm slicing through the air with terrifying speed. August raised his staff to block, and the two weapons clashed with a shower of sparks. The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the air, and August felt his arms tremble under the force of the blow.
