Kael dashed forward, his War Aura blazing around him like crimson flames.
His sword cut through the air with deadly speed.
CLANG!
Darius blocked the attack effortlessly.
The impact echoed through the forest as sparks flew between their blades.
"Too slow," Darius said calmly.
Before Kael could react—
BAM!
Darius kicked him hard in the chest.
Kael was sent flying backward, crashing into a tree.
"Ugh…!" he groaned, forcing himself to stand.
This opponent was completely different from the soldiers he had faced before.
Darius walked forward slowly, his heavy steps shaking the ground.
"If that's all you have, you'll die here," he said coldly.
Kael wiped the blood from his mouth.
"No… I'm just getting started."
His eyes glowed red again.
The system screen appeared briefly in front of him.
Skill Activated: Battle Instinct
Suddenly, everything became clearer.
Darius's movements… his breathing… even the way he held his sword.
Kael tightened his grip.
"I can see it…"
This time, when Darius attacked—
Kael moved first.
CLANG! CLANG! CLANG!
Their swords clashed rapidly, faster and faster.
Darius's expression changed slightly.
"Oh?"
Kael dodged a heavy swing and countered instantly.
Slash!
A shallow cut appeared on Darius's arm.
Silence fell for a moment.
Darius looked at the blood on his arm… then laughed.
"Hahaha… good!"
His eyes sharpened with excitement.
"It's been years since someone has made me bleed."
A powerful pressure suddenly exploded from his body.
A dark aura surrounded him, far heavier than Kael's.
The ground cracked beneath his feet.
Kael's expression turned serious.
"This is… his true power."
Darius lifted his massive sword.
"Now, let me show you what a real war general looks like."
In an instant—
He vanished.
Kael's eyes widened.
Too fast!
BOOM!
A massive strike hit Kael, sending him crashing into the ground.
Dust and debris filled the air.
Kael struggled to move, his body screaming in pain.
"So this… is the difference…" he thought.
Darius stood over him, his sword raised.
"Any last words?"
Kael clenched his fist.
The medallion on his chest suddenly burned with intense heat.
The War God's voice echoed once more.
"You are not meant to fall here."
Power surged through Kael's body again—stronger than before.
His aura flared violently, pushing Darius back slightly.
Darius's eyes widened for the first time.
"What is this power…?"
Kael slowly stood up.
His body was injured… but his presence had completely changed.
Cold.
Dominant.
Like a true warrior of war.
"This fight isn't over," Kael said.
The air trembled as his power rose.
The real battle had just begun.