'FOCUS!'
Nikolai screamed at himself—instead of giving up, he poured his celestial aura and vermillion essence into his muscles, arms and eyes to enhance his movement and abilities, tilting his face to avoid the headbutt and lifting his right knee to block Alexei's follow up.
BOOM!
The force of Alexei's attacks seemed to have doubled, but the speed caused Nikolai's body to tighten, and the hairs on the back of his neck stood up as a double flurry of jabs shot towards his cheek and throat.
Nikolai ducked and weaved, then countered with a cross to Alexei's face, the first strike hitting Alexei's guard, the second clipping his chin and pushing him back.
"Good, that's it, don't let up. The threat you face is greater than I expected!"
Gritting his teeth, Nikolai dug deep into his training and his experience in using his celestial aura.
