With a final surge of mana, Livius managed to break free from the singularity's grasp. He landed on the ground with a thud, panting heavily. His eyes glowed with a fierce, otherworldly light as he raised the Veilbreaker Staff one last time.
Livius smirked, despite the sweat trickling down his brow. "I have to admit, Kael, I underestimated you. I didn't think you'd last this long."
Kael's expression remained unreadable, but his stance spoke volumes—he was done entertaining Livius' ego. "Your spells are strong," Kael admitted, "but you're too predictable."
Livius let out a short laugh, shaking his head. "Predictable, am I? Then allow me to correct that assumption."
He raised the Veilbreaker Staff, mana surging through its voidsteel and elderwood frame. Above him, five orbs of condensed infernal energy materialized—each one radiating a blistering heat that warped the very air around them.
