The flaming practice sword came at Kai's head with enough force to crack stone beneath them.
Kai's blade moved in a sharp upward arc, intercepting Seraphina's strike with a resonating clang that echoed across the training grounds.
The impact sent sparks flying in all directions, with small embers scattering across the dirt like fireflies.
Seraphina's eyes widened as Kai not only blocked her attack but redirected the force, causing her to stumble back a half-step. She planted her foot firmly and immediately launched into a spinning strike aimed at his midsection, her silver hair whipping around like a banner of war.
Kai sidestepped smoothly, with his sword coming up in a defensive position as Seraphina's blade whistled past where his ribs had been moments before.
She didn't pause, the miss immediately turned into a low sweep that forced Kai to leap backward, his feet barely touching the ground before she was pressing forward again.
