A dust storm brewed as Ren charged toward Kael, his footsteps thundering across the torn battlefield. Kael was still locked in combat with the monstrous Atomic Beast, pulsating body flickering like a living storm.
Ren smirked. "Let's see how you handle both of us—me and the beast of atoms."
Kael's eyes narrowed. He spun, deflecting the beast's swipe with his dagger, barely dodging its next claw. The air crackled with tension as Ren entered the fray, swinging his weapon with a deadly arc. The Atomic Reaper—a chained, crescent-edged scythe radiating unstable atomic energy—hummed with menace.
Kael dodged the blade by inches, thoughts racing. Fool. You would've stood a better chance at a distance. Up close… it's suicide.
He surged forward, aiming to strike Ren before he could recover. But Ren, already anticipating the move with his Future Sight, summoned a shimmering atomic barrier. Kael's dagger clanged against the shield, the recoil jarring his arm.
Suddenly, the Atomic Reaper snapped back like a whip, slashing across Kael's side. Blood splattered.
Ren grinned. "Do you like my Atomic Reaper?"
Kael barely had a moment to breathe before the Atomic Beast lunged again. He twisted, evading the claws, but his body was starting to fail him—his breathing ragged, muscles screaming.
Ren raised the Atomic Reaper, the chain glowing brighter. With a violent swing, the blade arced again. Kael blocked with his dagger, amplifying it using weapon control. Sparks flew.
Then, the beast struck again. Kael retaliated with a precise strike from his sword. His blade pierced the beast's side, and for a second, he thought it was over.
But the beast's form shimmered.
The damaged area reassembled—atoms swirling back into place in mere seconds.
Kael's eyes widened. "What the hell…? Summoned beasts are powerful, but this… this is beyond terrifying."
He sensed the Reaper's approach too late. It sliced his arm—deep, brutal. The weapon didn't even slow down.
That would've sliced me clean in half… Kael thought, stumbling back.
Across from him, Ren breathed heavily, his aura wild. Atomic Control is insane, he thought. I can't touch living matter or solid objects. Only the atoms in the air. If I overuse it, my own body might start dispersing. My atoms… gone. Future Sight's nearly drained too. I can only see a second ahead now, and the headaches are worse.
The Atomic Beast let out a screech, flaring with unstable light. Kael, bloodied and wavering, still stood tall.
Ren and the beast moved in unison. Kael clenched his jaw. Even if I die here… I'll fulfill my mission.
He charged.
Claws met steel. The Atomic Reaper whirled. Kael dodged with inhuman reflex, his dagger dancing as he clashed with Ren. The beast attacked from behind. Kael twisted, using his blade and magic in harmony to block both enemies.
He coughed blood.
I'm not allowed to kill him, Kael thought. My purpose for the mission… was to prepare him. Even if it costs me everything.I don't know why he had to be trained but this is the mission I was given and I have to do it.
Ren was taken aback by Kael's endurance. "You're… still standing?"
Kael's strength waned, but his resolve held firm. Not once had he let an attack land. He flowed like a master, his movements calculated—perfect.
But the cost was visible.
His magic flickered. His footing faltered. Then—
A simultaneous strike.
Ren's blade grazed Kael's side. The beast's claws ripped into his chest. Blood erupted as Kael's body jerked, his heart pierced.
He didn't scream.
He only whispered, "This… is all I could give…"
And he fell.
The beast vanished. Ren, breathless and wounded, dropped to one knee. Sweat streamed down his face.
"He… fought like a demon," Ren muttered. "If I want to face the Ruler… I have to be stronger. Much stronger. The monsters in my path won't show mercy."
Scene Shift
Kagami Renji stood tall before Commander James and Sophia.
"The battle," he said, eyes burning with purpose, "is just the beginning."