Ravihiro and Samael stood at the edge of the Steel Heart Valley, a land that seemed carved from nightmares. Massive jagged cliffs of obsidian and iron loomed on either side, their surfaces glinting ominously in the faint sunlight. The valley floor was a maze of razor-sharp metallic shards, scattered like discarded weapons from ancient battles. A chilling wind howled through the valley, carrying with it an eerie hum that resonated through the air like the distant clash of blades.
"Nice place for a picnic," Samael quipped, eyeing the treacherous terrain. "Very welcoming."
Ravihiro ignored the comment, his Ryugan scanning for danger. Deep within the valley, a heavy, rhythmic sound echoed—like the pounding of a blacksmith's hammer.
"Steel Blade Scale Python," Ravihiro murmured.
Samael crossed his arms, smirking. "Sounds charming. Let me guess—it's as friendly as it sounds?"
"It's fast, heavily armored, and its scales can cut through solid rock," Ravihiro replied, unsheathing Kageha.
"Oh, good," Samael said sarcastically. "I was worried it might be too easy. Don't worry, I'll save you if it gets rough."
Ravihiro glanced at him. "Try not to get in my way."
The Beast Emerges
As they ventured deeper, the hammering sound grew louder until it felt like it was coming from all directions. Suddenly, the ground beneath them trembled, and the valley seemed to come alive. A fissure split open, revealing a massive serpent slithering out with terrifying speed.
The Steel Blade Scale Python was a monstrosity of steel and sinew, its scales shimmering like polished blades. Its eyes glowed a molten orange, and its fangs dripped with a viscous silver liquid that sizzled as it hit the ground. The creature coiled its enormous body, its scales grinding together with a deafening screech.
"Okay, that's a big nope," Samael said, stepping back.
The python lunged with blinding speed, its blade-like tail slicing through the air toward Ravihiro. He leapt back, Kageha flashing as it parried the attack. Sparks flew as sword met scale, the impact sending shockwaves through the valley.
"Guess it's showtime," Samael said, cracking his knuckles.
Samael's Poisonous Arsenal
Samael extended his hands, dark green mist swirling around them. He thrust his palms forward, releasing a barrage of poison needles. "Venom Fang Barrage!" The needles struck the python's body, but its scales deflected them effortlessly.
"Figures," Samael muttered. He shifted his stance, summoning two curved blades made of translucent green energy. "Serpent's Kiss!" He dashed forward, slashing at the python's underbelly, his blades leaving trails of corrosive poison.
The python hissed, its body twisting as it retaliated with a rapid tail sweep. Samael vaulted over the attack with surprising agility, landing next to Ravihiro.
"Your turn, Mr. Stoic," Samael said, grinning.
Ravihiro's Counterattack
Ravihiro activated his first Ring,Blade wind ring, summoning dozens of wind blandes that hovered around him. With a flick of his wrist, the blades shot toward the python, striking its scales in rapid succession. Though the scales deflected most of the attacks, one blade found a weak point, lodging itself near the creature's neck.
The python roared, coiling tighter as its body began to shimmer. Suddenly, its scales detached and shot out like a storm of daggers.
"Scatter!" Ravihiro shouted, leaping into the air. Samael rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the deadly barrage.
"Did it just turn into a blender?" Samael yelled, scrambling to his feet.
Ravihiro activated his second ring, Sword of venom, merging poison into Kageha's blade. The weapon glowed with a sickly green aura as he charged at the python, slicing through its storm of scales. Each strike left a trail of venom that began to corrode the creature's armor.
The Turning Point
The python hissed in fury, lunging at Ravihiro with its fangs bared. Ravihiro sidestepped, thrusting Kageha into its side, but the creature's momentum sent him flying into a metallic spire.
Samael rushed to his side. "You good?"
"Stay back," Ravihiro said, rising to his feet.
Ravihiro slashed downward, unleashing a wave of dark energy that carved through the python's body. The beast roared in pain but refused to fall, its molten eyes now burning brighter.
"This thing doesn't know when to quit!" Samael said, launching another Venom Fang Barrage.
The Final Strike
Ravihiro closed his eyes, his breathing steadying. He focused his Ryugan, scanning the python's body for its core. A faint glow appeared deep within its chest—a small, pulsating orb.
"Cover me," Ravihiro said.
"Got it," Samael replied, releasing a cloud of toxic mist. "Poisonous Veil!" The mist obscured the python's vision, giving Ravihiro the opening he needed.
With a burst of speed, Ravihiro activated Tandav: First Form, his movements becoming a blur. He weaved through the python's attacks, dodging its blade-like tail and snapping jaws. Finally, he leapt into the air, raising Kageha high.
"Tandav: Second Form!"
The blade descended in a fiery arc, shattering the python's core. The beast let out a final, ear-splitting roar before collapsing.
The Ring of Scales
As the python's body dissolved, a shimmering ring appeared in its place—a deep silver with streaks of crimson. Ravihiro extended his hand, absorbing the ring into his body.
The World of Scales ability manifested immediately. Ravihiro's body shimmered, scales forming along his arms and legs, transforming into bladed armor. He tested the ability, creating blades from thin air, each one as sharp and durable as the python's own.
Samael whistled. "Impressive. You just turned yourself into a walking armory."
Ravihiro turned to Samael. "Let's move. There's more to do."
Samael smirked, falling in step beside him. "Lead the way, oh fearless one. But next time, maybe warn me before you go full berserker."
The Steel Heart Valley fell silent behind them as the two ventured onward, the echoes of their battle lingering in the air.