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Aurelian's heart raced as Riven Leander, a stage four sovereign god with a notorious reputation, closed in. Riven's dark aura seeped through the air like a chilling mist, and his intent was palpable - he intended to challenge Aurelian in a battle of strength and wits. Riven's words cut through the tension, echoing in the vast, desolate training grounds.
"Lucius Orion is a powerful man with great cultivation, never nice to his colleagues, known for stealing souls," Riven remarked, his voice carrying a blend of authority and disdain as he advanced.
Aurelian braced himself, sensing the malevolent undercurrent of Riven's black magic. "Who are you?" he demanded, a mix of defiance and intrigue in his voice.
"I am who I am. You are the one who doesn't know who you are, Lucius," Riven replied cryptically, his eyes narrowing with determination.
With those words, the clash began. Riven lunged at Aurelian, his movements a blur of precision and force. Aurelian, though slightly outmatched, used every ounce of his newfound power to counter Riven's onslaught. Their battle became a dance of energies, a collision of raw strength and tactical maneuvers that sent shockwaves through the air.
Aurelian fought with the heart of a warrior, his movements fueled by his desire to prove himself, to reclaim his identity. The onlookers watched in awe as he held his ground against Riven's might. Each strike was a statement, every parry a testament to his resilience.
Hours passed, and both combatants showed signs of exhaustion. Riven, though more powerful, was taken aback by Aurelian's determination and skill. Aurelian seized this opportunity to speak, his voice laced with urgency and sincerity.
"I am not a foe, I am a friend," Riven said Aurelian gasped, still catching his breath. Riven extended a hand, imploring Aurelian to trust him.
Aurelian hesitated, the conflict within him evident in his eyes. Trust was a scarce commodity in this realm, yet there was a flicker of doubt in Aurelian's heart, a seed of belief that Aurelian might indeed be different.