Chapter 277
STUPID
Blaze's eyes widened slightly in delight, a grin spreading across his face as realization dawned. Just moments ago, he had been racking his brain for a way to get rid of IAM's gun—and now, by some miracle, IAM had done it for him.
Was this what people meant by positive manifestation?
His earlier frustration evaporated, replaced with bubbling amusement and excitement. Now that IAM was clearly showing intent to fight with his fists, everything had changed. Blaze could finally cut back on using his path methods and rely instead on what he excelled at—his mana-reinforced body and raw combat skill.
His grin grew wider, exposing those sharp, canine-like teeth. "Heh… now this is more like it," he muttered under his breath, his muscles tightening in anticipation as the air between them seemed to hum with energy.
The reason Blaze was so confident wasn't just because he was stronger and more experienced—it was also because of what it meant to be an ascender.
As one progressed further down their path, the core didn't merely expand; it evolved. It grew larger, denser, and more refined, allowing it to hold far greater amounts of mana while also changes the quality of the understanding.
The Avien, too, underwent its own changes. It widened and strengthened, capable of drawing in mana faster and more efficiently, while also reinforcing its connection to the brain. For a seasoned ascender like this meant less risk from backlash, more control, and the assurance that the body could endure whatever strain their methods demanded.
But focusing on the Avien itself—its strength directly determines how much mana can be circulated throughout the body. The stronger and wider the Avien, the greater the mana flow, and consequently, the stronger the body becomes.
For example, take two novice ascenders at the same level. If one has progressed ten percent into their path while the other has reached twenty percent, the difference is significant. The latter can absorb, circulate, and retain roughly ten percent more mana within their body. That ten percent translates into a direct increase in physical strength, endurance, and durability.
Of course, this comparison ignores several crucial factors—such as individual path methods, external tools like mechs, the specific nature of a battle, and one's understanding of their opponent's path. But if one were to strip away all that and focus purely on the physical body alone, then yes—the ascender with the more developed Avien and deeper path progress would undeniably be stronger.
It was because of this that Blaze felt confident. While IAM was clearly experienced, from their brief clash and the trace of mana circulation he had sensed, Blaze could tell that IAM was only a low-level experienced ascender. Blaze himself, on the other hand, had already reached the mid-level stage of that same rank. In other words, he was physically stronger.
Combining that with his honed combat skills, Blaze was certain victory was within reach. The only complication was the dull ache pulsing from his shoulder injury and the strain he had already placed on his body. He wasn't at a hundred percent, and he knew that. Still, despite the pain and fatigue, his confidence didn't waver—it burned just as fiercely as the look in his eyes.
With a savage grin curling across his face, Blaze pushed off the ground and lunged toward IAM, his body moving like a char ready to strike.
If Blaze could come up with this, then so could IAM—but even knowing that, IAM had still chosen to put away KASSARA.
The reason was simple: he didn't want any accidents. The killing intent coursing through him was already difficult enough to suppress, and with KASSARA in his hand, there was a real chance he might lose control. A single slip and the fight could end with blood on his hands.
Putting the gun away wasn't an act of mercy; it was of caution.
Blaze, on the other hand, had no idea how close he'd come to dying. He didn't realize that just seconds earlier, a single impulse from IAM could've put a bullet straight through his skull.
Now that IAM was unarmed, he would have to engage in hand-to-hand combat. He could almost read Blaze's thoughts as clearly as his own—of course Blaze believed he had the advantage now. Physically, that might've been true, but the gap in actual combat wasn't nearly as wide as Blaze imagined.
Maybe before his coma, IAM would've struggled to keep up. But now, things were different. Instead of retreating or dodging, IAM stepped forward to meet Blaze head-on.
He shifted his weight slightly, drawing his arm back and sending the motion of a punch straight toward Blaze. The moment Blaze registered the movement, his instincts kicked in, and he too pulled his arm back, preparing to strike.
Blaze was slightly taken aback by IAM's boldness, but rather than feeling threatened, he felt a surge of excitement—he welcomed the challenge.
Both of them lunged forward, fists cutting through the air with speed and intent. Their strikes were about to collide when, at the very last instant, IAM's movement shifted. His hand suddenly opened mid-swing, slipping past Blaze's fist to seize his wrist. In one smooth, precise motion, IAM twisted his body, using Blaze's own momentum against him.
The impact was immediate. Blaze's balance shattered as he was yanked forward and slammed into the ground with a heavy thud. His body rolled across the floor before he dug his hand into the ground, forcing himself to a stop. He looked up, breathing hard, a brief flash of disbelief crossing his face—he hadn't expected IAM to pull something like that.
"What the fuck!? Where did you learn how to do that!?" Blaze barked, half shocked and half furious as he sprang back to his feet.
IAM didn't answer. Instead, he pressed forward, his feet pounding against the ground as he sprinted straight toward Blaze, refusing to give him time to recover.
Blaze's lips twisted into a wild grin, a low cackle escaping him as he met the rush head-on. At the last second, he planted both palms against the ground, pushing himself into a sudden handstand. In a fluid, almost acrobatic motion, he swung his legs backward, his heel cutting through the air in a fierce arc toward IAM's face.
IAM's eyes tracked the motion in an instant. He dropped his shoulder and dove to the side, feeling the gust of wind from the kick brush past him. As he rolled up from the dodge, his fist shot out like a piston, aiming for Blaze's midsection. But Blaze, grimacing from the strain on his injured shoulder, twisted his body just enough to avoid the blow and leapt back, widening the distance between them.
He straightened, his expression turned dark. "As expected of the sole survivor of the Hold," Blaze said, his tone dripping with mock respect.
IAM's gaze didn't waver. He slowly raised a hand and brushed his fingers across the front of his neck, his face was unreadable. Then, in a low, deep voice, he said, "I already told you—don't call me that."