The arena floor had been repaired by the earth mages, but the air still crackled with the residual mana from my fight with Samantha.
Now, it was time for the titans.
Kael walked out of the tunnel. He had cleaned the mud off his face, but the intensity in his eyes hadn't dimmed. He drew his sword—a standard academy-issue steel blade, yet in his grip, it seemed to hum with anticipation.
Opposite him, Princess Celestia stood with royal grace. She tapped her staff on the ground, and a circle of frost expanded instantly around her.
They were friends. They were party members. But right now, they were obstacles in each other's path.
"I won't go easy on you just because you're my friend, Kael," Celestia said, her voice cool and composed.
"I wouldn't have it any other way, Princess," Kael replied, lowering his stance. "I need to prove something today."
"Begin!"
WHOOSH.
Celestia moved first. She knew Kael was a close-range fighter.
[Glacial Prison]!
