Ethan's eyes narrowed, scoffing inwardly at Ryker's desperate move. His sword flashed out—
Ember Slice again...
but Ryker ducked, feeling the blade's edge sing above his head.
'That was a close one'
Ryker was close now.
Desperately, Ryker threw himself at Ethan, aiming to tackle him to the ground.
'Hmm?' Ethan's expression hardened.
Rather than back away, he stepped into Ryker's attack and slammed his shoulder into him, stopping Ryker's momentum cold.
The impact was brutal. Ryker felt the air leave his lungs in a violent gasp.
'Damnit!' Ryker cursed staggering, he tried to catch his breath—but Ethan wasn't giving him a second.
Ethan spun his blade one-handed—
Burning Spiral— before crouching low and unleashing a devastating wide sweep.
'Inferno Sweep.'
The horizontal arc caught Ryker's side.
Pain exploded through his ribs.
The sheer force sent Ryker flying backwards, crashing onto the arena floor, rolling uncontrollably before coming to a stop.
The crowd went silent.
