The blood spikes quickly wrapped around him, transforming into blood-red chains that bound him tightly.
Using his blood magic, Ivan conjured a sword. Still gripping Thane's arm, he swung the crimson blade, glowing with mana.
Just before it landed, a flash of lightning struck—Cedric appeared beside him, his sword slicing through the air.
A faint smile crept onto Ivan's lips as he instantly redirected his swing toward Cedric.
Cedric's eyes widened, but he reacted just in time, parrying the blow. Ivan struck with focus, driving him back with force.
Thane unleashed his mana, shattering the chains and forcing his body to move. Ivan glanced over just as Thane raised his shield for a strike. Ivan's leg shot out, smashing into the shield with such power that the ground beneath them crumbled into a crater.
But Thane held firm, unmoved.
Ivan released Thane's arm, yanked the sword from his chest, and smiled. With a simple flick of his finger, he gestured downward.
Thane's eyes widened. He looked up—dozens of blood-red blades were raining from above.
Acting on instinct, he raised his shield.
A golden barrier shimmered to life just in time to meet the descending blades. They struck, one after another, but Thane withstood the storm.
Ivan landed gracefully. Cedric, moving like lightning, reappeared beside him with another swing. Ivan countered instantly, their blades clashing in a flurry of strikes—too fast for anyone else to follow.
An arm flew through the air, still clutching a blood sword. It was Ivan's. But another arm grew in its place almost immediately.
Smiling, he said, "If this is all you've got, then…"
Blood swords formed on both of his arms. He raised one, blocking an incoming strike from Thane.
CLANG! He grinned. "As expected. I'd expect nothing less from the Holy Knights."
The three clashed again, their speed blurring beyond mortal vision. The ground was shattered, corpses of knights strewn everywhere. Ivan, bloodied and breathing heavily, stood with a newly regenerated arm.
He chuckled. "This battle was never fair, was it? Two against one. But I must admit... the Knights of the Holy Empire truly live up to their name. Knights of Light, indeed."
He turned away, eyes landing on Theron.
"With that said, I've no intention of dying here. Or being captured. So if you don't mind…" He gave a mock bow, still smiling. "I'll take my leave."
His eyes met the king's. "King Galewyn… looks like today isn't the day you die."