The transformed Nicholas moved like liquid lightning, his crystalline sword tracing arcs of pure energy through the air. Each strike carried enough power to level buildings, yet Klaus found himself genuinely smiling for the first time since their sparring began.
Not because Nicholas posed a serious threat—from Klaus's enhanced perspective, even the lightning-wreathed figure moved in slow motion, each attack telegraphed seconds before execution. But the technique itself was flawless.
Klaus deflected a devastating overhead slash with his forearm, the impact creating a thunderclap that would have deafened normal humans. Nicholas flowed immediately into a lateral cut that should have been impossible to execute from his previous position, yet the movement looked natural as breathing.
"Much better," Klaus said, catching the blade between his fingers again. This time, lightning actually managed to sting his enhanced skin. "Your form is remarkable."
