The air trembled.
A violent crimson aura exploded from Kael's body, stronger and fiercer than before. The ground beneath him cracked as power surged through his veins.
Darius took a step back, his eyes narrowing.
"This power… it's increasing?"
Kael slowly lifted his head.
His eyes glowed a deep, burning red.
"I won't lose here."
The system screen flashed again.
Emergency Evolution Activated
War Aura → War Aura (Intermediate)New Skill Unlocked: War God Strike
Kael clenched his sword tightly.
He could feel it.
A new power—far more destructive than anything he had used before.
Darius smiled, excitement rising in his voice.
"Good… this is what I was waiting for."
He raised his massive sword again.
"Show me everything you've got!"
In an instant—
Both of them moved.
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!
Their blades collided again and again, each strike heavier than the last. The forest shook with every impact.
But this time…
Kael was no longer being pushed back.
He matched Darius blow for blow.
Darius's smile slowly faded.
"You've grown stronger… in just moments."
Kael didn't respond.
His focus was absolute.
Every movement, every strike—perfectly guided by Battle Instinct.
Then—
An opening.
Kael's eyes sharpened.
"Now!"
He stepped forward and gathered all his power into his sword.
The crimson aura condensed into a single point.
"War God Strike!"
SLASH!!!
A massive wave of energy burst forward, tearing through the ground as it shot toward Darius.
BOOM!
The attack hit directly, sending a shockwave through the forest. Trees were split apart, and dust filled the air.
Silence.
For a moment, nothing moved.
Then—
Darius stepped out of the dust.
His armor was cracked… and blood dripped from his side.
But he was still standing.
Kael's eyes widened slightly.
"He survived…"
Darius let out a low laugh.
"You're incredible, boy."
He wiped the blood from his mouth.
"To think a mere soldier could push me this far…"
His gaze turned sharp.
"But this is where it ends."
A terrifying aura erupted from his body, darker and heavier than before.
Kael tightened his grip on his sword.
This battle was far from over.
But deep inside…
He was no longer the weak soldier from before.
He was becoming something greater.
The true successor of the War God.
To be continued…