Kazuki's body trembled as he summoned forth a blade forged entirely of spiritual force. The weapon burned with a translucent glow, shimmering as if reality itself bent to contain its form. Yet every heartbeat he sustained it, his own flesh tore apart and repaired itself in the same instant—his life force pushed to its very limits.
From deep within his mind, his companion's voice echoed."Enhance my future foresight to thirty minutes."
Elsa's tone turned sharp with alarm."That will drain you even further! Your spiritual force will be consumed at a terrifying rate—"
Kazuki cut her short, his determination unyielding. "Do it now!"
A reluctant silence followed, and then a pulse surged through him. His vision widened, countless possible futures spilling into his mind like crashing waves. Thirty minutes ahead—thirty minutes of fate itself spread before him.
He staggered back, forcing distance between himself and Vareon, darting behind the shattered remains of a collapsed wall. His breath quickened, his every nerve igniting with the strain of foresight.
Vareon narrowed his eyes at the strange retreat. Slowly, he too conjured a sword of spiritual force, the weapon humming with power as dark light licked its edges."I once used this technique," he muttered, almost to himself, "but abandoned it. Its cost was far too great. Still…" His gaze sharpened, cruel delight flashing across his face. "…for the sake of ending you, child, I'll bring it forth once more."
Kazuki steadied his grip, letting the visions of the near future unravel before him. He saw pathways where he struck, where he fell, where he survived by inches. So many possibilities—too many.
A deafening crack split the air as Vareon lunged. Kazuki was half a second late, and the blow crashed into him with brutal force. His body smashed through wall after wall, tumbling like a ragdoll through the abandoned empire's ruins. Dust clouds rose, stone split, echoes of destruction thundering across the hollow streets.
Vareon appeared before him in an instant, blade poised, ready to drive through Kazuki's stomach. But before the fatal strike could land, Kazuki's body mended in the blink of an eye—flesh stitching together as if death itself refused him. His figure flickered, vanishing like mist.
A calm yet defiant voice rang from the broken air."You said I would not win this fight…"
Kazuki emerged behind him, eyes burning, blade raised high. "…but I already won it, dear uncle."
The two shot skyward in a burst of spiritual pressure, feet igniting with energy as they launched into the skies. The ruined empire shook as their clash moved into the open heavens, their auras tearing through the clouds.
Steel met steel—if such a word could even describe the collision of their ethereal blades. Sparks of spiritual light showered the night as their duel began anew in the air.
Vareon's mocking laugh rolled through the battlefield. "You even know spiritual flight, child?"
Kazuki's gaze stayed sharp, his voice steady as his blade parried another strike. "I know many things you don't, uncle."
For a moment, Vareon faltered—not in his strikes, but in thought. His eyes narrowed. Kazuki's speed was consistent, unnaturally steady. Swift enough to rival any master, yet clearly restrained. With the near-limitless spiritual force the boy had revealed earlier, he could have been far faster, far deadlier.
Suspicion crept into Vareon's mind. Why is he holding back…?
But Kazuki only pressed on, every swing measured, every movement echoing with the countless futures dancing in his vision.