The very air tore asunder as they vanished in unison, the ground beneath them quaking violently in the wake of their movement.
In an instant, their blades surged toward each other, cutting through the space between them without hesitation.
Then, with a resounding clash, their swords collided.
Time seemed to freeze in that brief moment.
And then, the world erupted in chaos.
A cataclysmic shockwave tore through the air, shattering the earth itself with a deafening roar.
At the point of impact, Anthony was violently propelled backward, his body flung through the air like a shattered doll.
'Damn. His physical strength surpasses mine'
He realized, the realization sharpening his focus.
The force of the blow rippled through his muscles, every fiber of his being protesting against the strain as he fought to regain control.
With surprising poise, he managed to steady himself, his feet scraping against the earth, leaving a trail of disruption in his wake.
'Well, this is a first'
