The battle stretched on longer than expected.
Ron continued launching fire, but the flames, which initially appeared impressive, were now visibly smaller. His salamander's iron rank wasn't sufficient to maintain that level of attack for so long.
What had begun as a confident display of power now revealed its limitations with each passing minute.
Nia also showed signs of fatigue. Her wind control, crucial for enhancing Ron's fire, became erratic. Her previously precise gestures grew sloppy. Sweat streaked her face, plastering strands of her reddish hair to her forehead.
Gulhan's mole, perhaps the most affected, emerged with decreasing frequency. His attacks from the tunnels, initially precise, now seemed disorganized.
To gain more time and recover, instead of frontal attacks, they began moving in a circular pattern, constantly surrounding the platform and attacking the beast in small bursts.
