Julian soared high into the sky, golden light trailing behind his wings. His breathing was ragged, but his eyes still burned with fierce defiance. Kronos stood unwavering, confidence radiating from every inch of his battle-worn frame. He raised his scythes once again, ready to end the battle with a final, merciless strike.
Then the air split.
BOOM!!
A deafening shockwave erupted as the two forces clashed again. Blinding light exploded from the collision, forcing many spectators to shield their eyes. When the radiance faded, gasps echoed across the stands.
Mid-flight, Julian's divine form suddenly flickered. His body stuttered in motion, as if momentarily caught between planes.
"No… not now!" he hissed through gritted teeth, panic flashing across his face.
The Guardian's Blessing, his divine buff, wavered. The brilliant aura that had carried him this far dimmed to a pale shimmer. His momentum faltered.
Kronos saw it.
And he struck.
