Phoenix Vanguard: Legends of Astravera

New Slave or Pet?

As the wind whistled through the trees, Andres tightened his grip on his Bolo Flameblade, feeling its power surge through him. The two boys squared off, eyes locked in determination.

Haruki dashed forward, his katana gleaming in the afternoon sun as he swung it toward Andres with practiced precision. Andres, with reflexes sharpened by years of training, raised his Bolo Flameblade just in time to block the strike.

“You’ve got speed, but you’re still predictable!” Andres taunted, his grin widening as he took a step back, twirling his Bolo with ease. He could feel the weight of the sword, its power crackling with heat beneath his fingertips.

Haruki narrowed his eyes. “We’ll see about that.”

Without warning, Haruki blurred forward with blinding speed, his katana aimed at Andres’s ribs. The attack came faster than before, faster than Andres could react. He barely managed to raise his Bolo in time to block the strike, the force sending a shockwave up his arm. Haruki twisted his wrist, forcing the katana into a follow-up strike aimed at Andres’s neck.

The clash of metal echoed through the clearing as sparks flew from their weapons, sending a shockwave through the air.

Haruki grinned, clearly enjoying the challenge. “You’ve got guts, kid! Let’s see what you’re made of!”

"Not bad," Andres muttered, feeling the weight of Haruki's strike through his arms. "But you're going to need more than that to win."

Andres laughed, adrenaline pumping through his veins. “You’re not going to take it easy on me, are you?” he retorted, pushing back against the force of Haruki’s strikes. The duel intensified, each boy showcasing their unique fighting style—Haruki’s refined techniques as a samurai contrasting with Andres’ raw, instinctive attacks.

Haruki smirked. "Don’t get cocky. I’ve got more up my sleeve." With a quick step back, he shifted his stance, preparing for his next move. In an instant, he disappeared from Andres’ sight, moving at lightning speed.

Light, observing from his perch, couldn’t help but feel a mix of pride and concern. “Be careful, Andres! Don’t get too carried away!” he squawked, flapping his wings anxiously.

Haruki’s grin widened. “Surprised? Samurai techniques aren’t just for show. Let’s see how long you can keep up.”

Andres chuckled, his grip on the Bolo tightening. “Good! That makes this more fun!”

With a roar, Andres activated Flame Slash, swinging his Bolo Flameblade toward Haruki. A fiery arc erupted from the blade, aimed directly at him. Haruki quickly dodged, the flames licking the edge of his armor but missing him by a hair’s breadth.

With a grunt, Haruki suddenly twisted his body, breaking the weapon lock and spinning away from Andres. He landed gracefully on his feet, his katana gleaming in the sunlight. “You’re strong, but I’ve fought tougher opponents,” Haruki said, wiping the sweat from his brow.

“You haven’t fought anyone like me,” Andres replied confidently, taking a step back to catch his breath. His heart pounded in his chest, but the thrill of the fight only made him more determined.

Suddenly, Haruki’s stance shifted. He held his katana differently now, the blade pointed upward, and his body relaxed. Andres narrowed his eyes, sensing a change in the atmosphere.

“What are you planning?” Andres asked, his voice low and cautious.

Haruki smiled, his eyes gleaming with anticipation. “It’s time to end this.”

In the blink of an eye, Haruki lunged forward again, this time moving even faster than before. His katana gleamed with a brilliant light as he activated Blinding Strike, a high-speed attack that was nearly impossible to predict.