Andrew pulled his hand back and smiled. "How do you feel?"

Eric stood up slowly, his tone icy. "Inferno Strike, right? You've been training with Dad's technique. No wonder you were completely immune to my Phantom Mirage."

Andrew shrugged, not even trying to hide it. "You're right. It's Inferno Strike. But just so we're clear, Mr. Thornton gave it to me. I didn't sneak around and steal it."

Eric stared at him for a long time, his expression unreadable. "You've already mastered the first stage, Flame Surge, to perfection in such a short time? Andrew, you really are just like Henry said: an absolute freak."

Andrew grinned. "Come on, it's not that hard. I've got hands, haven't I?"

Eric shook his head. "Inferno Strike is pure, blazing energy; it's aggressive and brutal. Even Dad never dared train in it. He respected it but always kept his distance. And yet here you are, charging headfirst and actually mastering it. I'll admit it. I'm no match for you."

It was not easy for Eric t