The clash of metal against metal echoed through the darkened dungeon as Kael's glaive met the Hero's weapon with a resounding clang. Sparks flew in the dim torchlight, illuminating Kael's crimson eyes, which burned with exhilaration. His grin was wild, his stance loose and eager.

"Hero!" he exclaimed, his voice alive with glee. "What a surprise! I was hoping I'd find you here." He pushed forward, his glaive spinning in a graceful arc before locking blades with the Hero again. "You're early. Couldn't wait to see me, could you?"

From behind him, quick and precise footsteps echoed closer. Eltheris Veylar emerged from the shadows, her yellow eyes narrowing as she took in the scene. Her expression was as unimpressed as ever.

"Kael," she snapped, her voice low and cutting. "You idiot. You couldn't even wait for me to secure the perimeter before throwing yourself at the Hero? Are you incapable of basic restraint?"

Kael let out a laugh, pressing off the Hero's weapon with a twirl of his glaive. "Restraint? With the Hero here? Elthe, you should know better by now."

"Stop calling me that," Eltheris replied, her tone icy. She turned her attention to the Hero, inclining her head slightly. "Hero. I apologize for his lack of decorum." She shot a sharp glare at Kael. "Unlike him, some of us have priorities beyond senseless violence."

Kael waved her off dismissively, his grin never fading. "Don't be such a killjoy. You've got your hands full with that relic, don't you? Go on. Let me and the Hero settle this."

Eltheris sighed heavily, muttering something under her breath that sounded suspiciously like "brainless lunatic." She crossed her arms, her gaze flicking to the Hero. "I assume your companions have already gone ahead. No doubt looking for the relic as well." Her tone was matter-of-fact, but her sharp eyes betrayed a flicker of respect. "I'll return to my task, then. Try to keep this monster at bay, Kael. At least make yourself useful for once."

Kael laughed, spinning his glaive with a flourish as Eltheris turned on her heel and disappeared back into the shadows. "Keep the Hero at bay? Oh, Elthe, you wound me!" he called after her, his voice full of mocking amusement. He turned back to the Hero, his grin taking on a feral edge. "Now, where were we? Ah, right—our duel."

He dropped into a ready stance, his crimson eyes glowing brighter. "Shall we, Hero?" he said, his tone brimming with anticipation. His smirk widened as he lunged forward, his blade singing through the air. "Let's make this a fight to remember!"