Kael's grip on his sword tightened.
Something's off...
He felt it. A subtle drain like strength seeping through his skin, his limbs growing just a fraction heavier, his stamina slipping. His eyes narrowed.
Elarquist Family Debuffs.
It wasn't a direct attack. It never was with them. Their abilities worked passively waves of minor illusions, charm-based weakening effects, and energy suppression. Just being near Cynthia was enough for it to take effect.
Before he could fully recalibrate, Cynthia was already there.
Fast. Too fast.
A blur of violet steel surged toward him. Kael raised his blade just in time, parrying the blow, the clash echoing across the training room.
Cynthia spun, using the recoil to twist low and attempt a sweeping strike at his legs.
Kael leapt back, pivoted, then sidestepped a follow-up feint aimed at his shoulder. She was agile, graceful, and experienced. Every step she took oozed confidence and layered illusions. He couldn't trust her motions at face value.
Debuff… Illusion Step. She's blending her footwork with mana distortions.
Kael adjusted. His body moved instinctively. The weight of her skill pressed on him, but he adapted cutting through the haze of her illusions with raw technique and perception.
He shifted to the left, ducked under a wide arc slash, and jabbed toward her torso. She twisted her body, dodging narrowly and countering with a sudden upward swing.
He blocked barely.
Cynthia smirked.
"You're good," she breathed. "Really good. Most guys would've been flat on their backs."
Kael didn't reply. He stepped back two paces, his red eyes sharpening as his stance shifted.
"...Shadow Arts. Form Two—Crescent Fold."
Cynthia's smirk faltered.
Kael surged forward.
The first slash came in from a high angle, sharp and swift. She brought her blade up to parry, sparks dancing as metal clashed but it had been a bait.
The second slash was a sudden twist of the wrist too close, too fast. Her blade flew from her hand, clattering to the side.
Eyes wide, she stepped back but the third strike was already in motion.
Kael's blade stopped just at her throat.
One inch more, and it would've drawn blood.
She blinked, then grinned even as sweat rolled down her neck.
"You win," she said, voice husky and teasing. "I love a strong man."
Kael withdrew his sword silently.
He turned, walking away as if nothing had happened. Cynthia stood still for a moment, a gleam in her eye, then walked back to where Jin Eldraven stood leaning against a wall.
Jin's eyes hadn't left Kael since the match began.
"That guy's strong," Jin muttered. "Even under the Elarquist debuffs... his movement was on a different level."
Cynthia crossed her arms and chuckled. "He resisted my charm skill and beat me with raw technique. I'm starting to get obsessed."
Jin didn't respond. His gaze lingered on Kael now calmly striking the mana dummy again with precise, clean motions.
That guy... wasn't in the main story. He's not supposed to exist.
Jin's brows furrowed slightly.
Something's not right here.