As Kaida turned the forest into a literal inferno, farther away, the temperature had dropped so much that ice started spreading on the walls.
The ruined temple atop which Sia stood gleamed with frost, her icy aura spreading around.
Across from her, Mercury stood with her arms crossed, her relaxed stance a stark contrast to the tension in the air.
Sia summoned her ice beasts in a flurry of sharp, crystalline shards. Dozens of creatures made of frost emerged, their forms jagged and almost angelic, then, in unison, they charged toward Mercury with claws slicing through the air.
With a wave of her hand, Mercury summoned a towering wave that crashed over the advancing beasts, shattering them instantly.
She raised an eyebrow, her expression almost taunting.
"Are we still playing, or can we go to the obvious conclusion?" Mercury asked, her voice steady and laced with amusement.
