Marlic roared, spear lashing with abyssal fury. Kael's blade met each strike, sparks of shard‑light scattering across the battlefield.
The alliance watched, breathless, as Kael pressed forward, each step defying the abyss. His wounds bled, his strength faltered, but his resolve burned brighter.
Elira gasped, shards flickering in her hands. "He carries us all…"
Marlic snarled, fury blazing. "You think one blade can defy abyss? I will break you, Kael, and with you, all hope!"
But Kael's voice rang clear, unbroken. "Hope does not break. Hope endures."
Their clash shook the valley, flame and shadow entwining, grief and memory colliding. Suspense hung heavy—the duel was not yet decided.