Their arms hung limp, muscles trembling from exhaustion, yet determination burned in their eyes. Li Shen shifted his weight to his back foot, readying himself for a fistfight. Across from him, Silver Talon's exposed face revealed a slight smile as he mirrored the stance.
They circled each other, bare feet scraping against the blood-stained arena floor. Li Shen's torn robes fluttered with each careful step. Silver Talon's armor plates clinked softly as he moved, searching for an opening.
Li Shen struck first. His fist shot forward aimed at Silver Talon's exposed jaw. Silver Talon weaved aside, countering with a palm strike that caught Li Shen's shoulder. Both men grunted at the impact but pressed forward.
Their exchanges grew faster, more desperate. Sweat flew from their bodies as they traded blows at close range. Li Shen's elbow crashed into Silver Talon's ribs. Silver Talon's knee drove into Li Shen's thigh. Neither warrior yielded ground.
