Melanie rushed over to Ryan and Zoe, her footsteps echoing across the scorched floor as she broke the tension between them. The heated moment that had lingered between the two fighters was abruptly interrupted. Ryan and Zoe looked toward her, their expressions shifting from the intensity of battle to something softer, more relaxed.
Melanie was covered in sweat, her clothes clinging to her from the exertion. There was a noticeable strain in her movements, a sign of how hard she had worked to maintain the mana barrier that had shielded her from the impact of their fierce exchange.
"That was a good battle," Melanie commented, her voice carrying a mix of admiration and relief. She reached Zoe's side, offering her support. Zoe leaned heavily on Melanie, her legs trembling slightly as she gratefully accepted the assistance. Her breath came in ragged gasps, her body drained after pushing herself to the limit.
