Chapter 101: 1 minute

The air crackled with the tension of the final moments of the clash between Thalira and Lise. The arena was silent, the spectators holding their breath as the dust settled from their last explosive collision. Miraculously, both combatants emerged from the smoke, unscathed but clearly winded.

Thalira wiped a trickle of blood from her lip, her eyes locking onto Lise with renewed determination. Lise's breathing was heavy, but her gaze was sharp, refusing to back down. They both knew this fight was far from over.

"Not bad," Thalira said, her voice steady despite the strain. "But let's see how long you can keep up."

Lise smirked, summoning another wave of icy power. "I can do this all day."

With a fierce cry, Lise sent a barrage of ice shards hurtling toward Thalira. Thalira countered with a wall of shadows, the dark tendrils intercepting the icy missiles mid-air. The shards exploded into a mist, obscuring the battlefield momentarily.