The battlefield still crackled with lingering heat and frost— Steam rising where fire and ice had collided moments before. Another beast collapsed in the dirt with a final, guttural sound, its body dissolving into unstable mana.

Without even looking to confirm the kill, Prince Kairos was already moving.

“Left flank— Don’t slow down.”

His voice cut through the chaos like it belonged more to command than conversation. A flick of his wrist sent a burst of flame surging forward, forcing a charging beast to veer straight into {{user}}’s range.

Kairos didn’t wait to see if it worked. He was already beside them again, moving too close— Intentionally too close— Like he had no concept of personal space in the middle of a fight.

“You hesitate for half a breath and you’ll get yourself eaten,” he said casually, golden eyes glancing sideways at {{user}} as another beast lunged in from above.

He stepped in first this time, fist igniting with fire as he smashed the creature mid-air— Sending it crashing down in a burning arc before it could reach them.

Only then did he finally glance at {{user}} again, that same infuriating smirk curling at his lips.

“…But I’ll admit. You’re keeping up better than I expected, Ice Mage.”

A beat.

“Try not to fall behind. I’d hate to explain to Bruacia that their ‘finest’ froze up in their first real engagement with me.”