As the translucent dome settled around them, Haruto's astonishment at the structure was palpable. He tentatively touched its surface, feeling an invisible force push back against his hand, demonstrating the barrier's effectiveness at containing the duel's energy. Sylvie, familiar with such constructs from the research division, knew this Vanguard version was engineered on a grander scale, designed to withstand even the mightiest of Warlord assaults without faltering.
Motar, towering and imposing, unslung the massive hammer from his back with a thunderous chuckle. "Ready? I'll make you regret attacking my Griffin!" As he spoke, Haruto sensed a subtle vibration through the ground—an ominous precursor to what was to come. He instinctively yelled at Sylvie to move. She leapt aside just as a shockwave erupted where she had been standing. "Kage, what did he do? I couldn't see anything!" Sylvie called out, shaken.
Haruto, thanks to his elemental magic, had perceived Motar's attack: a mere tap of his foot had infused the ground with magical essence, unleashing raw power. The reality of their opponent's strength dawned on Haruto—this was not a battle they were likely to win by force alone.
Sylvie quickly strategized. "Kage, follow my lead!" She executed a series of rapid hand signs, conjuring a small cloud that whisked her forward. Chanting an incantation, "Hex Conjuring: Territory Restraint!" she summoned vines that burst from the ground, entangling Motar's limbs. Though he snapped them with ease, they were instantly replaced, holding him just enough for their next move.
Seizing the moment, Haruto used the wind to accelerate, quickly snapping his fingers flames dancing at his fingertips. He merged the newly formed fireballs into one larger orb, propelling it forward with a powerful kick right into the smoky haze surrounding Motar. An explosion rocked the area, obscured by dust and debris.
Outside the dome, the scene drew spectators. Serena, her face pressed against the barrier, was visibly thrilled. "Oh, what a lovely display of teamwork and combo attacks. Oh, God yes!"
Nearby, two top-ranked members of the Nixar Guild stopped to observe. "Wow, that was a nice combo attack. That kid picked up on her plan quite fast," one remarked, impressed despite himself.
His companion scoffed, eyeing Sylvie. "Psh, anyone can chain moves together. Motar is just toying with them. But hey, check out that Sylvie chick. I bet me and you could show her our combo moves if she joins us." They chuckled, their attention divided between the fight and their lewd commentary.
Their laughter was cut short by a teenage boy who approached. "Can you show me your combos? If not, I'd keep my comments to myself. You never know who's listening," he said coolly, not bothering to face them.
Walch, one of the men, bristled. "Some teenage brat! Boy, you better mind your damn tongue. Do you know who you're talking to? I'm Walch of the Nixar Guild, rank 94."
The boy merely stared him down, his gaze unnerving. A palpable shift in the atmosphere occurred; static electricity crackled subtly in the air. Serena, previously engrossed in the duel, snapped to attention, as did the other Vanguard members, sensing the change.
Inside the dome, Haruto felt the air around him tingle with newfound energy. "Sylvie, did you feel that?" he shouted over another of Motar's shockwaves.
Sylvie, narrowly avoiding the same fate, called back, "No, I didn't, what happened?"
Motar, momentarily halting his assault, sensed the disturbance. "Oh, he's here? Interesting," he muttered, intrigued by the unexpected development, his attention now split between his opponents and the mysterious newcomer outside the dome.
The duel, already intense, was now underscored by an air of unpredictability, with each participant keenly aware that the dynamics of their battle could shift dramatically at any moment.