A long spike of black steel erupted from One's chest like a spear.
It blocked the scythe's ascent with an ear-splitting crash, sending a violent shock through Kael's arms and knocking the weapon back with sheer force.
At the same time, the black spike extended further, now directed at Kael as well.
Kael had overcommitted.
He was off balance, leaning forward, his scythe knocked downward and exposed. Vulnerable.
But then…
He vanished.
In a flicker of shadows and motion, Kael reappeared several steps back, boots skidding slightly on the blood-slick floor.
But he didn't pause.
He didn't let One breathe.
He was already on him again, appearing at his side in a flash. This time, something had changed. Something in Kael's body, unlocked.
He had activated two bloodlines at once.
The Bloodline of Strength
and the Bloodline of Speed.
Together.
And the effect was explosive.
