The sky over the ruined plains of Arenthia burned gold.
Sir Kaelen Dorne stood alone in the shattered capital's remains. The rubble still floated slightly gravity hadn't fully decided what it wanted to do anymore.
Divine energy pulsed from his armor.
Judicium hummed in his hand.
And then
Chime.
Chime.
Lorien Vale stepped out of a fold in space like someone stepping through a curtain.
Ah,Lorien said pleasantly The shiny one.
Kaelen didn't hesitate.
He moved.
Faster than sound.
Judicium cut downward with divine authority.
The strike split the earth for miles.
For a fraction of a second
It hit.
The blade passed through Lorien's torso.
Reality screamed.
Then Lorien looked down at the sword inside him.
Oh he said softly. You actually can touch me.
Kaelen pulled the blade free and jumped back.
I was chosen to end you.
Lorien tilted his head.
Yes, I gathered that from the dramatic lighting.
Kaelen lunged again.
This time Lorien snapped his fingers.
The battlefield turned into a checkerboard.
Every square dictated movement.
Kaelen froze midstep.
What did you do.
Level design Lorien replied cheerfully. You're white pieces. I'm black. You move first.
Kaelen forced divine energy outward.
The board cracked.
Judicium glowed brighter.
Conviction overrides absurdity
He broke free and slashed again
The strike grazed Lorien's mask.
A thin crack deepened.
The bells stopped ringing.
For half a heartbeat.
Lorien touched the crack gently.
Then he smiled wider.
Oh.
The air warped violently.
The clash wasn't onesided.
For the first time
Lorien bled.
A thin line of silver light ran down his chin.
Kaelen stared.
You're not invincible.
Lorien's voice lowered slightly.
No.
And that made him more dangerous.
He stepped forward.
Kaelen felt gravity triple.
Sky flipped upside down.
Sound reversed.
Lorien whispered:
You're strong because they fear me.
Kaelen roared and drove Judicium into the ground.
A pillar of absolute order erupted, restoring reality around him.
Their powers collided
Mockery vs Conviction.
Absurdity vs Law.
The explosion erased the remains of Arenthia entirely.
When the dust cleared
Both were standing.
Both wounded.
Both smiling.
Good, Lorien said softly. Don't die too early.
He vanished.
Kaelen dropped to one knee.
And realized
He would need more power.