"You've gotten stronger, Lucas."
When those words came out of Riley's mouth, Lucas couldn't understand the heated tension rising within him. Why did he suddenly say that?
"You…" Lucas muttered, the only word he could manage in response.
The acknowledgment from the swordsman before him stirred something deep within.
Riley had always seemed like someone who wouldn't acknowledge those who couldn't defeat him, and yet he had a gentle smile on his face when he gave that compliment.
'Was it even a compliment in the first place?' Lucas wondered. Or was it just a hidden insult?
He didn't know, nor did he want to ponder it further. He couldn't afford to get distracted right now; he had an advantage and couldn't let Riley's words take it away from him.
Steeling himself, Lucas raised the output of his aura, golden light swirling around him with increasing intensity.
