Kael's face was stone.
But inside, tension coiled tight—wrapping around his ribs like wire, stealing breath.
His crimson eyes stayed locked on the battle ahead.
Blades clashed in the storm.
Sparks rose like fireflies, vanishing into the gray.
He barely blinked.
Just hold him, he thought.
Come on, old man… just hold him a little longer.
###
Steel screamed against steel, sparks bursting like dying stars.
The Divine General and the Duke fought like legends pulled from opposite pag es of history—one forged in loyalty, the other in betrayal.
Their blades blurred through the storm, each strike shaking the soaked earth beneath them.
The General struck high, aiming for the eyes.
The Duke answered low, blade slicing for the neck.
Both dodged by inches, footwork carved from years of blood and battle.
But it was clear—painfully clear.
The Duke was stronger.
A Rank 4 monster in human skin.
His blows shook the air itself, each strike heavier, faster, more brutal than the last.