The arena fell silent.
Caelan Asten descended from the Gold Tier stands with the unhurried grace. Silver hair caught the light as he walked, violet eyes fixed forward, and at his side—two swords sheathed.
He stopped three meters from Kael. The wind shifted. Neither moved.
"Show me you are worthy of me drawing my swords."
Kael's smirk spread. He rolled his neck and let his hands fall to his sides.
"Last guy who said something like that to me ended up eating his own attack." He tilted his head, studying Caelan with open amusement. "But sure—I'll be gentle. Wouldn't want to embarrass you in front of the whole academy."
The Twin Fangs of Eclipse slid from his storage ring, dark steel catching the light with a hungry gleam. Kael's muscles coiled.
Shadow Step.
He dissolved into darkness and reappeared behind Caelan in the span of a heartbeat, both blades already slashing toward the silver-haired swordsman's back—
Caelan's hand moved.
