The two maidens' strongest attacks met head-on which created a shockwave that formed a gust of wind. Valdel and the others were now worried about the result of the battle, as a thick layer of smoke was blocking their sight. This might be a problem for the others but not for Valdel who can somehow sense the flow of mana.
When Valdel tried to sense the flow of mana, he couldn't get a good fix on Lara and Ashley. The amount of mana that was released by the two of them made it harder to pinpoint their mana signatures.
Valdel was getting a bit impatient as he started running towards the two. When he got close enough the dust had already cleared. Ashley had her left arm dangling in a weird position, while Lara had a sword sticking onto her shoulder.
Lara who was no longer showing her scary visage had turn back into her stoic look.
"Why did you stop? Are you showing me mercy?" Even though her facial expression was stoic, her voice clearly sounded irritated.