Fighting Ren wasn't my first choice, but fear had nothing to do with it. I swung my sword downward, flames dancing along the blade's edge, fueled by enhanced aura of fire. Ren shifted into a stance reminiscent of karate, his body coiled with precision, then unleashed a flawless straight punch. His fist, cloaked in a gravity enhanced aura, met my sword with a thunderous clash, forcing the blade—and me—back a step.
"You've truly achieved Fist Intent," I said, keeping my voice steady.
Ren tilted his head, a faint smirk tugging at his lips. "What, did you think I couldn't reach that level?"
"Not at all," I shot back, mirroring his smile. "Just means I'll have to push harder."
I turned my focus inward, connecting to Luna's Will rather than relying on raw physicality. As I activated Lucent Harmony, golden sigils flared across my skin, each one a conduit for my awakened elemental affinities, including the dark pulse of my Black Star.
