The arena's crystal-lights cast harsh shadows as Zafron and Steele faced each other. Red slime coated Zafron's arms like living armor, while that eerie green energy continued to pulse around Steele's fists.
'He's different from last time,' Zafron analyzed, noting the subtle changes in Steele's stance. 'More controlled. More focused.'
Steele made the first move – a probing jab that Zafron easily slipped. But it was just a setup. As Zafron weaved left, Steele's right leg snapped up in a vicious head kick. The slime on Zafron's forearm hardened instantly, absorbing the impact with a wet smack.
'Testing my defenses,' Zafron thought, countering with a straight right that Steele barely blocked. 'But two can play that game.'
