The serpent, still oozing with killing intent, moved tightly before lunging at Asher with terrifying speed.
Its huge shadow swallowed the stage as its jaws opened wide, aiming to swallow its target in one bite.
But as the beast approached, he simply raised his sword and swung it casually.
Fire erupted from the sword, forming a blazing arc that hit the serpent head-on. The attack scorched its mouth, filling the air with a loud, angry hiss. Smoke rose as blackened scales cracked and fell away, the stench of burning flesh spreading across the arena.
The creature turned and lunged toward the water, its massive coils propelling it forward. The surface rippled violently as it plunged into the depths, then resurfaced, still marked by burn wounds that were slowly healing.
Abir, standing on the other side of the arena, clenched his staff tightly. Anger flashed across his face.
