As soon as the word echoed through the arena.
"Begin."
Both released their Qi almost at the same instant. There was no testing. No provocation.
Half of the arena froze.
The ground beneath Kyrian's feet cracked, a thick layer of crystalline ice spreading like a silent tide. Translucent crystals grew over the stone, covering every crack with a white film.
On the other side, Han Xue's red fire exploded.
Dense, compressed flames spread across the ground, heating the slabs until they began to glow faintly. The air distorted. Heat rose in visible waves.
The point where the two energies met entered violent conflict.
Hiss.
Steam rose like a white wall, partially obscuring the view of the arena. The Coliseum was taken over by a heavy, humid heat.
Some spectators instinctively stepped back. Even though they were protected by barriers.
But at the center of that elemental chaos, Kyrian and Han Xue remained motionless.
