Inside the battlegrounds, the air was thick with tension.
Cael dodged another of Elara's strikes, his body moving with effortless grace.
The golden flame brushed past his shoulder, close enough to warm his skin but not close enough to burn.
His purple eyes remained calm, focused, watching. He was not just fighting. He was copying Elara's unique elemental skills.
Another unique element skill was added to his collection.
-Rumble.
The ground trembled beneath their feet.
Cael and Elara backed away from each other, their eyes turning toward the distance.
The barrier was closing in again. The shimmering wall of energy crept closer, swallowing trees and rocks, reducing the battleground with each pulse.
The third shrink had begun.
Then Cael turned his head back to Elara and smiled.
"Let's finish this."
His voice was light, almost casual. As if he had been waiting for this moment.
