As the flames subsided and a brief acknowledgment passed between us, it became evident that the time for measured exchanges had come to an end. Carl's imposing figure, clad in the shimmering aura, betrayed a newfound intensity.
The disciplined soldier within him discarded restraint as he took an aggressive stance, abandoning the purely defensive posture he had maintained.
"Should we start for real this time?" Carl's question echoed the unspoken agreement to elevate the intensity of our sparring session.
'He is coming.'
From the small but not small muscle movements on his body, I could foresee that he was going to attack.
CRACK!
A low, ominous crack reverberated through the training ground as Carl made his move. The ground beneath him seemed to shudder as if protesting the force about to be unleashed.
SWOOSH!