"Today we simulate the actual fight."
Elena's announcement came on day eight. Two days before the challenge was scheduled to be delivered to Daemon.
"Simulate how?"
"I'm going to use magic to create an opponent that fights like Daemon. Moves like him. Uses shade magic like him. You're going to fight this construct as if it's the real thing. Full commitment. No holding back."
"What if I can't beat the construct?"
"Then you train harder for two more days and we try again. But I think you're ready. Think you can win if you trust yourself."
The construct formed in the center of the training ground. It looked like Daemon. Moved like him. Even had his cruel smile.
"Begin!"
The construct attacked immediately. No warning. No hesitation. Just pure aggression with shade magic.
I barely blocked the first strike. Stumbled back as darkness crashed against my own shade.
"Don't retreat! Push back! Make him respond to you instead of you responding to him!"
