Arjun steadied himself, breathing heavily.
His body hurt.
His energy was unstable.
But inside him—
Something was awakening.
The shadow voice grew louder.
"Stop holding back."
"Take it all."
"Become… what you were meant to be."
Arjun's vision blurred.
Fragments of ancient memories flashed again—
Battles.
Blood.
Endless destruction.
A throne made of shadows.
His heart pounded.
"No…" he whispered.
"I won't lose control."
But Vikram charged again.
Stronger than before.
Faster.
His fist came like a storm.
Arjun had no time.
Instinct took over.
His body moved on its own—
Shadow energy erupted from his veins.
His entire arm turned dark.
Almost like living shadow.
He caught Vikram's punch mid-air.
GRIP!
The sound echoed sharply.
Vikram froze.
His eyes widened.
"You… stopped it?"
Arjun slowly raised his head.
A faint, dangerous smile appeared.
"Now… my turn."