Heracles's voice broke through Nathan's thoughts. "Are you ready?" he asked, fists raised and poised for battle.
Nathan gripped his lance tightly and nodded. This time, there would be no holding back. Both warriors prepared to unleash their full strength.
Heracles moved first, vanishing from sight in a blur of motion. Before Nathan could react, the demigod reappeared directly in front of him, his speed startlingly faster than before. Nathan barely managed to raise his arm in defense before a powerful fist collided with it. The force of the blow sent shockwaves through his body, and he heard the ominous sound of his bones creaking under the impact. The force hurled him backward, crashing him into the frozen ground.