Kai frowned.
Then slowly reached for his equipment.
The improved knuckle duster clicked into place.
Small spikes extended from the striking surface.
A dagger blade unfolded beneath his wrist.
Taai smiled wider.
"There."
"That's better."
Kai inhaled.
Mana gathered into his palm.
A small flame appeared.
Then another.
Wind wrapped around his legs.
Taai nodded approvingly.
"Magic too?"
"Now we're talking."
Kai moved.
Wind accelerated him forward.
Faster.
Sharper.
The knuckle duster slammed toward Taai's jaw.
Taai caught the punch.
Fire exploded.
Smoke swallowed both of them.
Several spectators shielded their faces.
The smoke cleared.
Taai hadn't moved.
His forearm was slightly blackened.
"...Nice."
Kai's eyes widened.
That actually landed.
Taai looked almost pleased.
"Again."
The exchange became faster.
Kai mixed punches with bursts of wind.
Short fire blasts forced openings.
The improved knuckle duster struck from impossible angles.
Every successful hit...
Was immediately answered.
A kick.
An elbow.
A shoulder check.
Kai landed attacks.
Taai landed better ones.
Minutes passed.
Kai was breathing harder.
Taai...
Looked like he had just finished stretching.
Finally Taai stepped back.
He sighed dramatically.