Kael stared up at Tarnis, his heart hammering furiously against his ribs. Every nerve in his body was on edge. His injuries still throbbed painfully, and he struggled to keep his breathing steady. Tarnis stood there, his crimson armor glowing with fierce Essence, eyes cold and unyielding behind his black mask.
"You're brave to challenge fate," Tarnis spoke softly, yet each word carried a chilling edge. "But bravery alone cannot overcome the gap between us."
Kael forced himself to his feet, gripping his sword tightly. He was weak, his Essence drained from the brutal clash with Ulric. But surrender wasn't an option. He had lived this day countless times, seen his family slaughtered again and again. This time, he would change it—even if it cost him everything.
"Maybe bravery isn't enough," Kael said, voice steady despite his exhaustion. "But I'll fight until the end."
Tarnis tilted his head slightly, acknowledging Kael's resolve. "Very well. Then show me how far you can push yourself."
Without another word, Tarnis moved. His figure blurred, leaving a trail of crimson flames behind him as he closed the distance instantly. Kael barely managed to react, activating Void Step just as Tarnis's fist, encased in blazing Essence, slammed into the spot where he had stood.
Kael reappeared several feet away, breathing heavily. Tarnis's speed was terrifying—far greater than Ulric's. Even anticipating his attack was nearly impossible. He knew he had to be creative to survive even a minute against this enemy.
Tarnis turned slowly, seemingly unaffected by his miss. "Not bad. Your Essence control is impressive for someone at your stage."
Kael steadied himself, calculating quickly. He knew direct confrontation would end swiftly. He had to fight smart, using every technique he had mastered across countless loops.
He channeled Essence again, activating Essence Split Form. Immediately, multiple phantom images spread out around Tarnis, each indistinguishable from the real Kael. Simultaneously, he prepared Void Step again, ready to vanish at any instant.
Tarnis appeared unconcerned, watching silently. Suddenly, Kael and his afterimages attacked at once. His blade surged forward, coated in sharp Essence, aiming at Tarnis's weak points—joints and vital areas.
However, Tarnis didn't move. Instead, a powerful aura surged from his body, creating an explosive barrier of fiery Essence that erupted outward, instantly destroying Kael's phantom forms and throwing Kael himself backward with violent force.
Kael crashed into the ground, rolling painfully before forcing himself upright again. Blood dripped from his mouth, his body screaming in agony. Tarnis's power was staggering; a casual move had nearly broken him completely.
But even through the pain, Kael's mind raced with possibilities. He remembered something critical—he had died fighting stronger enemies before, yet each death brought him closer to understanding their weaknesses. Every loop made him stronger. He had to believe that even now, facing certain defeat, he could learn something vital.
Kael tightened his grip on his sword, focusing his Essence once more. Tarnis advanced slowly, crimson flames trailing behind him, consuming everything in their path. Kael knew he had little time.
Suddenly, Lena appeared at Kael's side again, injured but determined. "Kael, you can't face him alone!"
"Stay back, Lena!" Kael warned urgently. "He's too dangerous."
Lena shook her head fiercely. "Together or not at all."
Before Kael could argue, Tarnis lunged forward, arm blazing with fiery Essence. Lena moved instinctively, her dagger glinting sharply as she activated her Essence to enhance its sharpness. Tarnis met her strike easily, deflecting it with a casual sweep of his hand, causing her to stumble backward.
In that split second of distraction, Kael struck. He poured Essence into his legs, propelling himself forward faster than he'd ever moved. His blade, strengthened by every ounce of his remaining power, slashed toward Tarnis's unguarded back.
But Tarnis was ready. He spun instantly, catching Kael's blade with one armored hand, halting it effortlessly. Kael strained against Tarnis's monstrous strength, his blade trembling violently as he desperately tried to force it forward.
"Interesting," Tarnis murmured. "You move well. But it ends here."
He squeezed, and Kael's blade shattered, fragments scattering everywhere. Kael staggered back, eyes wide with shock. Tarnis's other hand shot out, grabbing Kael by the throat and lifting him off the ground effortlessly.
Kael gasped, choking as Tarnis's grip tightened. His vision blurred, spots dancing before his eyes.
"Kael!" Lena screamed, lunging forward again desperately.
Without turning, Tarnis waved his free hand dismissively, releasing a fiery wave of Essence. Lena was thrown violently backward, landing heavily and lying motionless.
Rage surged through Kael, fueling him despite his suffocating pain. His hands clawed at Tarnis's wrist, Essence sparking desperately as he tried to break free. But Tarnis's grip was iron, unyielding and relentless.
As Kael's struggles weakened, darkness creeping into the edges of his vision, a sudden roar split the battlefield.
A bolt of crackling lightning Essence exploded between Kael and Tarnis, forcing Tarnis to drop Kael abruptly. Kael hit the ground, gasping, fighting to regain his breath. Through blurred vision, he saw his father standing protectively before him, spear pulsing with brilliant lightning Essence.
"Enough, Tarnis," Galen thundered furiously. "You won't harm my son further."
Tarnis stepped back slightly, assessing the formidable opponent now confronting him. "Ah, Clan Head Galen. Finally showing your true strength. But it changes nothing."
Galen stood tall, his presence radiating authority. "We'll see."
He glanced at Kael briefly, eyes filled with pride and sorrow. "Kael, stay behind me. I'll handle this."
Kael forced himself up, barely managing to kneel. "Father… please… he's too powerful alone."
Galen shook his head gently. "This is my duty as Clan Head—and as your father."
Without another word, Galen launched forward, lightning Essence wrapping around him like a cloak, the air crackling violently with electricity. Tarnis reacted instantly, crimson flames rising around him, matching Galen's charge with his own devastating power.
The clash between the two titans sent shockwaves rippling across the battlefield. Flames and lightning collided, creating dazzling explosions of energy that tore through the air and shook the earth.
Kael shielded his eyes, struggling to withstand the pressure of their confrontation. He watched helplessly, his father fighting desperately, matching Tarnis blow for blow. But Tarnis's power was immense—each strike filled with lethal intent, gradually overwhelming Galen.
Kael gritted his teeth, unwilling to watch his father fall again. Summoning the last remnants of his Essence, he staggered forward, determined to join the fight.
But before he could move further, a powerful hand seized his shoulder firmly, holding him back.
He turned sharply, eyes widening in shock.
Behind him stood Elder Joren, one of the oldest members of the clan, his expression calm and unreadable despite the chaos surrounding them. Elder Joren's eyes held a deep sadness, yet a fierce determination that Kael had never seen before.
"Kael, you cannot win here," Joren said gently but firmly. "Your father fights to buy you time."
Kael struggled weakly, desperation in his voice. "I can't abandon him!"
"You must," Joren replied gravely, eyes locked onto Kael's. "You are the clan's only hope now. Your survival is everything."
Kael hesitated, tears stinging his eyes as he watched his father fight heroically, giving everything to hold Tarnis back.
"Kael, listen to me!" Joren commanded sharply. "I've lived long enough to understand fate. You possess something extraordinary—something this clan desperately needs. Do not waste it here."
Kael swallowed hard, understanding the truth in Joren's words, yet feeling his heart tearing apart. "What do you want me to do?"
Joren's gaze softened briefly. "Run. Survive. Grow stronger. When you're ready—return and destroy them all."
Kael's fists clenched painfully, his body trembling with emotion. He glanced once more toward his father, locked in brutal combat with Tarnis. The choice was agonizing—but he knew Elder Joren was right.
"Forgive me, Father," Kael whispered hoarsely.
He turned, gripping Lena's unconscious body carefully, his Essence flaring weakly to steady his shaking legs.
Taking one last look at his father's fierce battle, Kael ran toward the darkening forest, his heart heavy with guilt, sorrow, and burning vengeance.
Behind him, the battlefield erupted with fresh fury, flames and lightning filling the sky, drowning out his anguished whispers.
He had survived, but the cost was unbearably heavy.
Yet, he knew this was not the end.
He would return stronger, and one day, he would have his revenge.