Chapter 53: Ch51. RE: [World Quest] (9) - Against time
The battlefield was a storm of fire and steel, the remnants of Sarissa’s flames still smoldering in the ruins around them. Rain hissed as it met the embers, sending up curls of steam that coiled like ghosts between her and Miles. Her heart pounded against her ribs, her breath coming in short bursts as she held her stance, sword gripped tight, flames flickering at her fingertips.
Miles stood opposite her, unmoving. The eerie red glow of his mask’s eyes cut through the misty darkness, and he watched, waiting. He had barely broken a sweat. If anything, he looked amused, the mask’s eyes glowing even brighter in blood-red.
Sarissa had always known he was holding back. She had seen glimpses of his true speed and precision, but now, there was no mistaking it. He had been toying with her, but not anymore.
She exhaled sharply, pushing down the doubts clawing at the back of her mind. This wasn’t just another fight. This was pure, raw survival. She wouldn’t lose.
’I can’t. Not here, not now.’
With a burst of speed, she launched herself forward, her blade swinging in a diagonal arc aimed straight at his side. Miles reacted instantly, his scythe spinning in his hands, deflecting her attack with its shaft in a sharp clangor of metal against metal. Sparks flew between them as he countered, twisting the haft of his weapon to bring the curved blade toward her throat.
Sarissa ducked, fire erupting from her free hand in a controlled blast aimed at his midsection. Miles twirled back just in time, the flames licking at the edges of his coat but leaving him untouched. He moved like smoke, fluid and untouchable.
"You’re thinking too much," he said, his voice carrying over the storm that began pouring on them again. "You always hesitate before your next move. That’s why you’ll never win."
Sarissa gritted her teeth. He was right. She knew he was right, but knowing didn’t change the fact that she had to think, had to plan ahead if she wanted to win.
She leaped back, distancing herself before igniting another burst of flames. This time, though, she didn’t aim directly at him. Instead, she launched the fire in a wide arc, cutting off his escape routes. Miles clicked his tongue, amused.
"That’s better," his mask smiled, his grip on the scythe shifting. "But not enough."