Ashura's aura blazed like molten fire, brighter than ever, even as blood streamed from multiple deep cuts.
The black cloak on his back fluttered in the wind as he rose, determination burning in his eyes.
He fixed his gaze on Kaoru and dashed forward, every fiber of his being screaming: This is my final attack. Everything I have… I put it all into this.
"BRING IT ON!" Kaoru Hibuko screamed, crimson energy swirling around him.
Mid-dash, Ashura leapt into the sky, descending like a meteor, sword ready.
THUD!
The clash of their blades sent a shockwave ripping through the floor, cracking the stone beneath them.
"Die already! You don't deserve to be a Hibuko!" Ashura shouted.
Kaoru sidestepped with inhuman speed, his blade slicing clean across Ashura's chest, forcing him to his knees.
Ashura's eyes widened. Blood poured faster than ever as he coughed violently onto the ground, thinking, This is the end… I tried my best.
Some of Kaoru's guards, regaining consciousness, bowed deeply.
"You will always be my slaves," Kaoru said, his voice cold, resonating with arrogance.
"I'd protect you until I die. My family has done everything for you… do we owe you something?"
He let out a dark sigh. "Hell no. That's why I choose myself."
Turning his back to the kneeling guards, Kaoru locked eyes with Ashura.
"Look at you… kneeling before me. You were always my slave, and now you've accepted it."
SWISH!
Multiple swords pierced Kaoru's body. His eyes widened in shock as he coughed blood violently, his heart straining with the pain.
"You're not fit to be slaves, darn it," Kaoru muttered through gritted teeth.
The wind picked up, sweeping across the battlefield lighter than ever.
The dark night slowly gave way as sunlight reflected off the ocean beside the scorched battlefield, casting a glimmer of hope over the chaos.