As Mo and Aylen emerged from the Spiritforge, Vael found them.
The clash of fire and wind shook the cliffs. Mo's shamshir met Vael's flame-laced glaive, sparks and embers cascading like a storm.
Vael snarled. "You have his face. But you're not him. You're weaker."
Mo parried, his blade singing. "Then try and break me."
The fight ended in a draw—but both sides knew it was only the beginning.
Vael vanished in smoke.
Mo stood in silence.
And far above, the stars burned a little brighter.