The deafening screech of the phoenix reverberated through the massive arena, its flaming wings unfurled, each beat a fierce blaze that seemed to scorch the very air. Maris watched, her heart pounding, her vision swimming from exhaustion, as the flaming bird hurtled forward, crashing into the two liches. The skeletal figures were engulfed, their dark, tattered robes igniting in the searing flames, their staff-wielding hands moving in frantic, desperate attempts to cast some last, futile spell.