The corrupted Revenant struck first, moving faster than Kael expected. He barely dodged, arcs of blackened energy slashing past his shoulder. Ryken opened fire, but bullets barely scratched the shadowy figure. Aria deployed energy barriers, but even they flickered under the assault.
Kael drew on the Nexus, focusing intently. Lines of light erupted from his mark, countering the darkness that sought to overwhelm him. He struck with precision, channeling energy to disrupt the corrupted Revenant's flow. Sparks of black and silver collided, sending shockwaves that rattled the street and shattered nearby windows.
"You're strong," the corrupted Revenant hissed, voice distorted and metallic. "But you hesitate. You fear control. That fear will be your undoing."
Kael's jaw tightened. The whispers guided him, urging focus, clarity, and balance. He drew a deep breath, channeling power from the Nexus with newfound precision. Energy pulsed around him in a controlled sphere, repelling the corrupted Revenant's strikes while simultaneously testing their defenses.
Veyra's voice echoed from the side. "Kael! Do not just fight! Use the flow! Predict, disrupt, and dominate!"
With a surge of concentration, Kael manipulated the Nexus energy like water around his opponent. The corrupted Revenant faltered, their crimson eyes narrowing in shock. Kael saw the hesitation—the first crack in the corrupted entity's control. Using the moment, he unleashed a controlled, concentrated strike, forcing the Revenant back into the shadows.
Ryken and Aria regrouped with Kael, panting and tense, while Veyra stepped forward, her silver gaze assessing the aftermath. "This was your first true test," she said. "You survived. You controlled. You learned. But remember… the Null Order now knows the full extent of your capabilities. And the corrupted Revenant will return, stronger, faster, more cunning. The real war begins now."
Kael's chest burned, the mark still faintly glowing. He looked at his team, feeling both exhaustion and exhilaration. Today, he had faced the darkness within another Revenant—and glimpsed the darkness that could one day consume him.
He clenched his fists. The battle was far from over.