Chapter 192
Through the dense curtain of smoke and drifting snow, Iris stood atop a ridge with a clear view of the battlefield below. Her breath fogged in the frigid air, but her gaze was unwavering, her body tense. Around her, the other Ice Elves crouched in silence—bows drawn, weapons ready, but none daring to interfere. What was unfolding before them was no ordinary fight. It was something fierce… primal.
Their eyes were locked on two figures.
Kael and Mira.
A lone swordsman in blood-soaked gear, battered and burnt, squaring off against an A-rank fire mage with a vicious gleam in her eyes. What began as a pursuit had now exploded into a brutal duel—flesh against flame, steel against spell.
"Gods…" one of the young Ice Elf scouts whispered. "He's still standing."
"He's fighting her alone?" murmured another. "She's A-rank. That's suicide."
"No," Iris said softly, her pale blue eyes narrowing. "That's Kael."
Down in the clearing, Mira spun, flame coiling around her arms. She hurled a searing blast toward Kael, the snow hissing and exploding into steam. Kael didn't dodge—he charged. His body crashed through the blaze, flames licking his cloak, his skin searing—but his sword didn't slow.
The Ice Elves flinched at the impact. Kael's blade slammed into Mira's guard, steel ringing against her dagger. Sparks flew. The ground cracked beneath them as they traded blow after blow. Fire spiraled, cutting through trees. Kael's sword arced in wide, brutal swings, while Mira ducked, spun, slashed low with her twin daggers, catching his side and drawing a splash of blood that painted the snow red.
"He's wounded!" shouted a scout, lifting his bow.
"No," Iris said again. "Watch."
Kael staggered from the cut, blood dripping, his breath ragged—but he didn't back away. His boots dug into the snow as he twisted his body, using the momentum to deliver a wide backswing. Mira leapt, avoiding the worst, but the edge of his sword scraped her thigh, tearing cloth and flesh alike.