Light energy surrounds young Victor, causing Shadow to step back.
"Impossible, how can a human possess such divine power?"
Victor looks over his whole body, seeing the aura of light and feeling a power that is foreign yet nostalgic. He locks eye's with Shadow, and the two ready themselves.
"Celeritas Divina!"
Shadow prepares his guard, but Victor is on him in a flash, bringing down his sword. Shadow jumps away from the strike, making it hit the ground with such power that it turns to dust.
"I thought Primordials weren't afraid of attacks. What seems to be the problem?"
"Haha, we're not. Your attack speed and power were unexpected is all. Now you might be able to entertain me for a while, if you hold back I will kill you."
"I have no intention of holding back."
Shadow grins with excitement as the two attack each other with such force that the whole area begins to shake. Each clash of their swords causes the floor and walls to break, but neither is slowing down. Shadow fire's off spell after spell, but Victor deflects it with his blade that has a gold shine to it.
"Divinum Ferrum Chorus."
Victor send a flurry of sword strikes towards Shadow, each one increasing in speed and power, but Shadow overcomes them with ease blocking them as if they were little pebbles.
"I'm impressed. You've had no training in the divine arts, yet you're using it like it's a part of you.... Now I'm really getting excited. It's been ages since I've had this feeling, so please entertain me more. HAHAHAHAHA!!!!!!"
After another round of powerful attacks, Victor tries to catch his breath, but Shadow is on him in a flash, showering him with an unending volley of spells and strikes. Victor tries his best but is soon overcome by the sheer difference in their powers and goes flying into the wall followed by more of Shadows attacks.
"Now then, are you still alive after all those attacks, or have I killed you? I hope it's not the latter because I was just getting fired up. Huh??"
Shadow jumps out of the way just as a massive light energy blast is fired, cutting his cheek. He peers through the smoke and sees Victor's outline.
"Don't.... go thinking.... I'm a pushover, you ancient fossil. I might have just discovered these powers, but I've still got plenty left in reserve."
Shadow trembles with excitement as he feels the blood flow from his cheek.
"AMAZING!!!! You are the first human to ever draw my blood. I really like you, but I'm going to have to kill you, you're too dangerous to be left alive."
Victor emerges from the smoke, his face and body broken, bruised, and bleeding. He struggles to keep himself up, his legs like jelly, but it hasn't affected his resolve to defeat Shadow.
"Divina Sanatio."
Victor is able to recover a bit of the energy he has lost, which stabilizes his legs and restores his health.
"Why are you not attacking me, Shadow?"
"I might be a Primordial, but that doesn't give me the right to attack someone who could entertain me more. So when you're ready we will begin again. But don't keep me waiting."
Shadow floats in the air, putting his chin on his right fist, and left on his thigh, waiting for Victor to continue the battle. Victor recovers a bit more of his expended power but is unable to figure out a way to defeat Shadow, which sends him into a state of fear, confusion, and hesitation.
"What can I do? I'm just a normal human with a power I know nothing about, facing an entity that is older than the universe. How could I possibly think I had a chance against someone like him. The fact I've survived till now has been nothing but luck. I fear it will soon run out, and my life will be over."
Through all these emotions, he feels a warm embrace, but it is not that of his mother. Instead, a tall, slender woman with long white hair and beautiful starry blue eyes hold him tight, her bare chest pushing against his back, causing a blush to appear.
"Fear not young Paladin, for while I am still alive, I will not let you experience death. You have much more to accomplish on your path. But if you can't bring Shadow to his knees, then you will not stand a chance against those who possess greater power than him. Never giving up is one of the first steps towards becoming a Paladin. Never forget that."
Shadow sees the figure and immediately seethes with fury and resentment but suppresses his emotions without showing them. When she leaves, Victor steels his resolve once more, wiping his tears and holding his sword at the ready.
"SHADOW! I'm sorry for keeping you waiting but now I'm ready to give everything I have to bring you to your knees."
"Now, that's what I love to hear. Very well, if you can get me on both my knees, I will declare you the victor and forge the contract. Sound good?"
Victor just smiles, and Shadow returns it. Once more, they prepare to launch their final attacks that will determine the victor. Closing his eyes, Victor focuses all of his remaining energy into one final spell, causing his conscious to transcend to a higher plain for just a fraction of time. Shadow prepares to perform his most powerful attack, focusing all his energy into it.
"Let this be the deciding factor in our battle, young Paladin."
"Agreed, Primordial."
As their eye's lock and their spells power up, a new shape begins to form on Victor's hand, changing the spell from a seventh tier heptagon to an intricate infinity symbol. The building begins to shatter and break from all angles. It is only a matter of time before the entire room collapses.
"Divinum Iram Palatini."
"Aeternum Tenebris Vortex."