Power of Runes

-BOOM!!

Ash’s body skidded across the arena floor, his boots scraping against the cracked tiles as debris rolled and shattered around him. He planted his heel firmly to halt his momentum, the impact leaving faint cracks beneath his feet. Dust hung in the air, swirling like mist after a storm.

Before he could even regain his footing, Ray had already closed the distance, his figure cutting through the smoke like a predator closing in on its prey.

There was no aura covering his body this time. Ray was careful with his energy, conserving it for crucial moments when he needed to counter Ash’s unpredictable spells. For now, he relied entirely on his raw speed and close-combat mastery.

Ray’s fist shot forward in a straight line aimed at Ash’s chest. It was sharp and precise, fast enough to make the air whistle.

But just as the attack was about to land, Ash’s figure blurred and vanished. He reappeared behind Ray in a flash of light, his teleportation so smooth and fluid that it almost looked like he had simply stepped through space.

Ash was no longer holding back. He wasn’t hiding his abilities anymore—too many people had already seen glimpses of what he could do, and fighting at full strength was the only choice.

He twisted his body and launched a fierce punch toward Ray’s ribs, but once again, the attack passed straight through him as though hitting a mirage.

Damn it, this is getting really annoying...

Ash clicked his tongue in frustration. He knew exactly how to counter Illusion Step. If he could coat his hands with compressed space mana, the distortion around Ray’s body would collapse instantly. Illusion Step was strong, but it was not invincible.

But I cannot reveal that. If I suddenly use space mana directly on my hands after claiming I am a mage, it will only raise questions...

Ash’s eyes narrowed as a different idea formed in his mind.