Ren narrowed his eyes, standing firm. The ground beneath him trembled as his aura flared.
"Bring it on," he muttered, voice sharp with determination.
Kael's gaze sharpened. What is he planning now? he wondered, already bracing himself for impact. With a burst of speed, Kael launched forward, wind screaming past his ears.
Ren raised both hands. A pulse of energy crackled in the air. In an instant, two massive, rectangular constructs of shimmering atomic particles materialized, floating on either side of Kael's path. They hovered for a split second—then, with a snap of Ren's palms slamming together, the blocks shot inward like magnets.
Kael's eyes widened. "Tch—!" He twisted his body mid-air, narrowly escaping the crushing trap. The blocks collided with a deafening boom, sending out a gust of wind and scattering dirt.
Ren didn't stop. Again, he summoned another set of rectangular constructs, this time faster, closer.
Kael zigzagged through them, sweat forming on his brow. "One mistake… and I'm dead."
Then Ren switched his approach. He shifted his hands horizontally and clashed them vertically.
This time, the rectangular constructs came from above and below.
Kael leapt, but the blocks adjusted—they're faster… tighter. The gap between them shrank with each movement.
Mid-air, Kael clenched his fists. I can't just dodge. I need to fight back.
"I've got semi-celestial magic," he reminded himself. "Speed, strength, durability, heightened senses… all combined into one. I call it—Body Boost."
He dropped low, his foot pushing off the earth with explosive power. "Plus, weapon control magic or also called Object Control." He summoned his sword and dagger, each glowing faintly with his energy.
"This is my full power."
Kael surged ahead, weaving past Ren's blocks with increased precision. Just as he closed the distance, a sharp whir cut the air. Ren hurled a spear of transparent energy.
Kael ducked—barely. But the spear twisted unnaturally mid-air and returned. He blocked it with his sword, but another followed. Then more. A barrage of near-invisible spears rained down.
One grazed his foot, drawing blood.
Kael grimaced. "His attacks… they're nearly invisible. Ninety percent transparent. Vision won't help. You have to feel them. Hear them. Sense them."
He steadied his breathing. "This makes them even deadlier."
Suddenly, the air behind him shimmered.
Kael turned—too late. A towering, translucent beast lunged forward, its claws swinging.
It looked like a gorilla made of glass and mist, glowing faintly with swirling particles. Its arms were long and thick, ending in jagged claws. Its roar echoed silently.
Kael blocked the first strike with his blade, but the beast kept attacking relentlessly.
Clang. Slash. Thud.
Kael's arms shook from the force. "What is this monster made of? None of my strikes are landing properly!"
Ren's voice rang out. Calm. Confident.
"Magic is the same at its core. Doesn't matter the element—it's how you use it."
He stepped forward, his shadow stretching. "My Atomic Control can replicate techniques of other elements… but stronger, tougher. Its durability is unmatched. Most of the time…" he raised his hand, "you'll only be able to dodge."
A new weapon formed—glowing faintly, almost invisible.
A long, curved scythe connected to a chain.
Ren grinned. "I don't know how to wield this properly… but it looks cool. Let's see how it does in the next round."
He spun the weapon, the chain whistling through the air, ready for the next phase of battle.