The first impact shook the ground. Flames and shadows collided, triggering small bursts of energy that sent dust and sparks flying into the air. Ingrid quickly dodged a flaming blade that was thrusting directly toward her, the energy of her shadows absorbing the heat and transforming it into a momentum that launched her backward, allowing her to land in a fighting stance.
"Not bad," Katharina said, watching intently, her defiant smile forming a thin line on her face. "But still not enough."
With a fluid motion, Katharina stomped her feet, releasing a wave of heat that spread in all directions, shattering small pieces of stone and earth around her. Ingrid felt the pressure, but she maintained her focus, concentrating on the shadows to create a partial barrier. Some of the energy hit her defenses, but it didn't paralyze her. She responded with a nimble leap, spinning in the air, and the shadows shot out like whips that sliced through the air toward the redhead.
