The air cracked with heat.
Fire circled Blazren's body as his claws locked against Zain's blade.
They pushed.
Neither gave ground.
Then Zain pulled back and stepped to the side. His sword spun once in his hand.
He smirked.
"You really became serious, huh."
Blazren didn't answer.
He stepped forward again, flames still rising.
His mane blazed behind him like a burning cape.
Zain's smile widened.
"Then it's time I stop playing."
He raised one hand.
His sword floated beside him for a second as black-red energy burst from his body.
[Heavenly Demon Ether] spread through the battlefield.
The pressure changed.
The ground cracked under his feet.
The fire in the air twisted.
Blazren's suit sensors beeped. Energy levels spiked around Zain.
Zain picked up his sword again, now wrapped in dark glowing ether.
His coat shifted slightly from the energy pulse.
"Let's get serious," Zain said. "For real."
Blazren took one breath.
Then spoke.
"Come."
