Forest Pt.8

Jia's movements were precise, her feet barely touching the ground as she sidestepped Yenna's clumsy strike, a flick of her wrist all that was needed to deflect the incoming blow. Yenna, unbalanced, stumbled but managed to regain her footing, landing with a tense posture, her newly awakened mana coiling around her fists like a faint, protective mist.

"I said, back off!" Yenna growled, her voice low and surprisingly guttural, almost animalistic, as she lunged again, her hands glowing with unfocused energy.

Jia clicked her tongue, a flicker of annoyance crossing her face. "You really wish to do this?" she asked, her tone flat as she took a half-step back, effortlessly avoiding another telegraphed strike. "Fine, if you insist."

She twisted her body, her leg snapping out in a sweeping kick that aimed for Yenna's torso, but Yenna ducked under it with a surprising, cat-like agility. She managed to land a light blow against Jia's arm, though it had no effect.