And then—
I didn't think.
I didn't breathe.
The aura blade sprang to life, a radiant extension of my will. My body moved before I could comprehend what was happening, the blade cutting through the air with precision and power. I didn't stop to marvel at the shimmering energy, nor did I question how it had appeared. My instincts took over, and in an instant, I launched an attack at Damien that should have been impossible.
He reacted faster than I thought he would. His wooden sword rose to meet mine just in time, the aura blade crashing against it in a blinding flash of light. The force of the impact sent a shockwave through the training hall, rattling the even the wooden floorboards beneath our feet. Damien staggered back a step, his expression flickering between shock and focus.
"Milo!" he shouted, his voice sharp and demanding. "How did you—?"
I didn't answer.
I couldn't.
