The others began to run, their footsteps echoing through the chaotic city. Amanda glanced back at Cadogan, who smiled and waved. Then he turned his attention back to the masked man.
Their eyes met, a silent challenge. In a flash, they clashed swords, the impact sending shockwaves through the air. Buildings crumbled as they fought.
Dune and the others ran, their breaths ragged. They reached the giant door leading out of the city, the sight before them grim. Thousands of dead soldiers and creatures littered the ground. Broken walls and destroyed buildings bore witness to the devastation.
Despite the chaos, they pressed on, their Neba-enhanced stamina driving them toward safety and the hope of reaching Rendely.
"I can't believe you guys hid in Fein with Zeten. That's impressive," Amanda remarked. The boys smiled awkwardly, except for Atlas, who seemed lost in thought.
Atlas couldn't shake his unease. Why did he feel fear around that man? His power felt almost otherworldly. Was it even Neba? The uncertainty gnawed at him.
He thought of Cadogan, the formidable Blue Neba and Zeten wielder. Cadogan's strength was undeniable. In contrast, Atlas had weakest green Neba and strongest purple Zeten, but he was mainly strong because of his unique ability.
Atlas pondered mastery, knowing it was key to unlocking his full potential. Mastery ranged from 1% to 100%, and reaching 100% meant absolute power without weaknesses. He had only 3% mastery of his abilities, while Cadogan likely had much more.
Despite the odds, Atlas was determined to hone his skills and rise to prominence. Mastery wasn't just about power; it was about control, finesse, and understanding. It required dedication, discipline, and countless hours of training.
As the clash between Cadogan and the masked man continued, the streets of Fein became a battleground. Each strike echoed with thunderous force, shattering the silence. The masked man's voice cut through the din, filled with sinister intent.
"Ah, Cadogan," he said. "You fight valiantly, but you cannot defy the will of the gods. Your efforts are in vain."
His laughter mingled with the sounds of battle, a haunting reminder of their deadly duel.
Cadogan summoned his Zeten ability, creating ten icy swords. He sent them towards the masked man, who dodged with fluid grace. The masked man formed a fiery spear, buildings melted around him from the heat, he launched it at Cadogan.
Cadogan transformed his swords into shields, but the fiery spear tore through them, striking him. The impact was brutal, leaving a gaping wound on Cadogan's face. Half of his face was missing, exposing his brain and bones. He barely managed to take two steps before collapsing, motionless.
The masked man sighed and started walking away, but Suddenly, he heard a faint sound from Cadogan, a rasping, icy breath. Cadogan was still alive.
In an instant, Cadogan closed the distance, slashing his sword against the masked man's neck. He was caught off guard, blood spurted, but the masked man quickly cauterized the wound, forcefully closing wound and then healing it with red Neba.
Cadogan's face also began to heal, half of his face was covered in ice. And slowly, it returned to normal.
The masked man, shocked, thought, "This is his Blue neba ability? How lucky." He admitted, "To possess such a healing ability is rare."
The masked man taunted, "You're wasting your time Cadogan. It doesn't matter how long we spar; I'll catch up to them once you're out of the way. Nothing can save those Zetens.
Cadogan just smiled. Unleashing his full power, creating a colossal ice dragon.
"Before i kill you, I'll tell you my name, you deserve to know it.The masked man summoned flames, forming a giant fiery sword. My name is Matiane, apostle of the God of War," he revealed.
Cadogan was taken aback for a second, but he quickly regained his composure, as he prepared to launch his attack.
They clashed, shaking the city to its core.
The impact of their clash shook the surroundings, causing buildings to turn into ashes. creating massive shockwaves that ripped through everything around them. It was a chaotic scene of power and destruction as the red Neba and blue Zeten collided, leaving devastation in their path.
When the dust settled, Matiane stood, bleeding but victorious. Cadogan lay motionless, a gaping wound in his chest.
Matiane glanced at Cadogan before departing, his sights set on his next targets: the Zetens and Amanda.
Dune and his companions ran towards the forest, their breaths coming in ragged gasps after running for over ten kilometers without stopping. Just as they reached the edge of the trees, a crimson portal appeared, and out stepped Matiane.
"Well, well, well," Matiane taunted, his voice dripping with malice. "Did you think I forgot about you?" He moved towards them slowly, each step echoing with the threat of danger.
Ned's voice cut through the tension. "What do you want from us? Why did you chase us here?"
Matiane only laughed. "You'll see soon," he teased, suddenly appearing in front of Ned, ready to strike. But before he could attack, a powerful blow sent him flying backward.
Atlas stood in front of them, his fist glowing with purple Zeten. Matiane's surprise was clear. "Oho purple? you're strong.. Haha, unbelievable! They will love you, boy," he mocked.
Dune's mind raced. What did Matiane want? Why were they being hunted? He looked at Amanda, who seemed scared and tired.
"Let's settle this," Dune said firmly. "You only need Zetens, right? Let Amanda go."
Matiane smiled confidently. "Sure, sure," he agreed, but Amanda interrupted. "I'll stay," she said, determined.
Dune insisted. "You've got to go something might've happened to my brother Daniel. Someone has to tell Rendely about what happened in Fein. You're the only one who can."
Amanda wanted to argue, but Dune didn't let her. With a hesitant nod, she turned and fled, leaving the boys to face Matiane alone.
Matiane turned to Dune and attacked instantly, not giving them any time. "Huh?" Confusion clouded Dune's mind. Why was he being targeted when he wasn't even a Zeten? Was it because of the gift from Aurore?
Atlas intervened, launching into a fierce swordfight with Matiane. Purple Zeten clashed with fiery red and orange Neba, the battle escalating amidst the shadows of the forest.
Dune watched in awe as Atlas fought Matiane, their movements a blur of speed and precision. Despite Atlas's skill, Matiane's attacks seemed relentless, pushing Atlas back.
Feeling frustrated and helpless, Dune shouted, "Why are you all standing around? help Atlas. If he dies, we'll all die too!" Without hesitation, the twins sprang into action.
Liam and Ezra, known for their lethal leg fighting style, attacked with their orange Neba and green Zeten. But Matiane's speed was unmatched. As Liam moved to strike from behind, Matiane grabbed him by the neck.
Atlas, with a sword forged from his purple Zeten, moved to help, but two additional hands, glowing with a red-orange Neba, sprouted from Matiane's back, intercepting Atlas's blade. Atlas was sent flying, his chest bearing the brunt of the attack.
As Matiane tightened his grip on Liam, red Neba formed into a unique sword a combination of sword and cross. Everyone was stunned. Just as Matiane aimed to strike, Liam vanished, replaced by Ezra who kicked Matiane in the face.
"Oh ho, that was surprising," Matiane chuckled. "So that's your ability, switching places. Interesting."
Ned and Dune watched from the sidelines, minds racing. Dune knew what his brother was thinking, should Ned use his Zeten powers to help? The risk of harming their friends loomed large.