Two blinding beams of light exploded by the lakeside like miniature suns. The world dimmed, and even the howling wind seemed to freeze.

Thymaleon's body shuddered. A line of brilliant crimson slid slowly from his left nostril, spreading across his robe like an eerie blood flower.

He reflexively raised his hand, then brushed past his nose and stared at the blood staining his fingertips. His normally cold eyes filled instantly with rage.

He had never suffered such humiliation. Not only had he failed to suppress his opponent in their mental energy clash, but he had also been the one left injured.

"Go to hell!" Thymaleon's roar cracked like thunder.

The white light around him flared brighter. The clear sky darkened suddenly as roiling clouds gathered. Purple lightning writhed through the darkness like serpents, crackling sharply.

He raised a single hand to the storm, palm aimed at the churning clouds. His remaining spiritual energy surged in wild resonance with the thunder ripping