Explosion

The battle escalated instantly.

Arlyn and Sylra decided to move in unison. They quickly closed in on Laston.

Arlyn's twin swords gleamed under the flickering red lights, striking in rapid succession at Laston's body. Sylra moving behind Laston, her daggers laced with a toxin potent enough to paralyze even a large beast.

Laston merely smirked, his cybernetic eye flashing ominously.

"Ah, another guest has arrived," he mused, sidestepping Arlyn's first strike with unnatural ease. "Forest Elves, judging by your aura. How quaint."

Then, without warning, his body pulsed with more energy. The circuits lining his cybernetic limbs glowed brighter and he moved. His move become faster than before.

Arlyn barely managed to block the counterattack, sparks flying as Laston's augmented strength sent him sliding back.