Clang—!
A burst of sparks exploded as Erik's curved blade angled upward, dispersing the earthen glow wrapped around Gaul's sword.
Had it been any other Tier-One Transcendent, the clash would've numbed his arms—perhaps even split the skin between thumb and forefinger. But Gaul, wielding Earth Aura, redirected most of the impact down into the ground beneath him. Two floor tiles behind him burst apart, a cloud of dust swirling upward.
At the same time, Link surged forward, sword ablaze, the flame-wreathed blade driving straight toward Erik's throat.
With a slight step back, Erik avoided the strike. In one fluid motion, he unhooked his steel shield and raised it to strike—only for Vlav to seize the moment and thrust his sword directly at the shield's center.
