In a certain area around himself, Nero maintained absolute control, and Vilhelm could not pass it without risking being attacked by Nero. The moment he stepped back, he had exited Nero's domain of control and so every time Nero came closer, his instincts warned him that danger was approaching.
Thus, in an unusual display, Nero kept pushing him back without ever actually getting close. Just bringing his domain of control within the line of movement Vilhelm wanted to take would automatically end up blocking him. Though Vilhelm had an entire corner of the arena to move around in, it actually felt a lot smaller.
"My chest does not have a heart, it has a drum of war," Nero suddenly recited, breaking the tense silence with his even voice. As he spoke, he let loose the control he had over his emotions, letting the sensation of everything being within his control fill the room.
Even those not fighting felt their breaths catch, as a chill ran down their backs.
