Chapter 60: Demon Breaker Halie
"Survive."
The word echoed into Kir as a warning as suddenly the distance between them closed.
It wasn't simply that Halie had gotten closer, it was more like the space between them had disappeared when she threw a punch.
Caught by surprise, Kir took the hit on his abs, staggering backward. He'd worn his uniform today - a show of unity with his partners - but now his shirt was destroyed and the inside edges of his jacket burnt and frayed by the sheer heat produced at contact.
As she withdrew her hands, Kir saw her gauntleted fist glowing on the back of the palm. A magic circle for flame was visible for a moment before it calmed.
"Still standing..." Halie assessed.
Kir said nothing. He was too busy catching his breath.
"Halie!" Dahlia called out, but she was ignored as Halie started charging.
Sensing what was about to happen, Kir dove to the side as the air rippled around Halie, allowing her to appear within arms reach of Kir a half-blink later.
She punched for him, but he was already putting some distance between them, rolling away like his life depended on it. Judging by the crater her fist left where he'd been, he was right.
When he got his breath back, he reached for his mana, shielding himself as he rolled to a landing and stood, his tail flicking angrily behind him as he studied his opponent.