Kaiden's eyes narrowed as Luthor's figure stood before him, encased in an armor of stone. The sheer size of the man was enough to intimidate anyone, but Kaiden wasn't like most people. His pulse quickened, not from fear, but from excitement. This was the kind of challenge he had been waiting for.
Luthor bellowed, his voice booming through the arena. "I told you, brat! You're not going to get past me! No one does when I'm this pumped up!" His body pulsed with energy, the Flow radiating from his stone-clad form like a volcano about to erupt.
Kaiden grinned. "Let's find out, big guy," he muttered.
The Battle Begins
The moment Kaiden moved, Luthor was on him. His legs, now powered by Flow, shot him forward faster than Kaiden expected. His stone armor seemed to ripple and shift, becoming lighter and faster with each step. Kaiden barely had time to react as Luthor's massive battle axe swung toward him, the air whistling as the blade came down.
Kaiden dodged to the side, the sound of Luthor's axe smashing into the ground shaking the arena. The earth cracked beneath the force of the blow, sending debris flying in every direction.
"That's more like it," Kaiden said with a smirk, his eyes flicking to the sides, calculating his next move. His breath was steady, despite the rapid pace of the battle. He could feel the Flow in his body, but he wasn't about to use it—at least not yet. It was better to let Luthor exhaust himself.
The commentator's voice boomed across the arena. "Ladies and gentlemen, Kaiden Solivare, the Rank 1 fighter of Group 6-A, known for his speed, strategy, and unique style, has yet to unleash his Flow! Despite facing a literal titan in Luthor Dragal, he continues to evade and counter with ease!"
Kaiden's grin widened as he heard the words. They don't know I'm not using Flow, he thought. But the truth was, he was purposely holding back. Luthor might be bigger, stronger, and more durable, but Kaiden knew he had the speed and the wit to win. He just needed to avoid Luthor's devastating swings, wait for the right moment, and then strike with precision.
Luthor's Speed
Kaiden moved again, his feet a blur as he sidestepped another swing. But this time, Luthor was faster. The big man seemed to have figured something out. His movements were no longer sluggish. He wasn't just swinging aimlessly now; every step he took, every swing of the battle axe, was calculated. His Flow-enhanced body allowed him to close the gap quicker than Kaiden could react, and suddenly, Kaiden found himself on the defensive.
The ground trembled beneath them as Luthor swung again, the axe cutting through the air like a tidal wave. Kaiden barely dodged in time, but the wind from the strike still grazed his side. He stumbled back, surprised by the sudden increase in Luthor's speed.
Kaiden cursed under his breath. Dammit, he's adapting too quickly.
Luthor charged again, this time using his stone-covered body as a battering ram. He slammed into Kaiden with terrifying force, knocking him back several feet. Kaiden hit the ground hard, the impact knocking the wind from his lungs.
The crowd roared, and the commentator's voice cut through the chaos. "Kaiden Solivare has been knocked down for the first time in this fight! It's clear that Luthor Dragal's speed has increased drastically, and with that, his momentum seems unstoppable!"
Kaiden's Retaliation
Kaiden gritted his teeth as he stood up, brushing off the dirt. His body ached from the impact, but he wasn't about to give up. Not now.
"You're getting faster, big guy. But you're still just a lumbering fool with a big axe," Kaiden taunted, his grin not faltering.
Luthor's eyes burned with rage. "I'll crush you, brat!" he roared, swinging the battle axe again, this time with even greater force.
Kaiden grinned wider. "You keep saying that. But it's starting to sound like a broken record."
With that, Kaiden activated First Form: Ironclad Defense, raising his sword to block the next incoming blow. The force of Luthor's attack was immense, but Kaiden stood firm, redirecting the axe with his sword. The clang of metal against metal reverberated through the arena, and Kaiden used the opening to launch a series of quick strikes with Second Form: Gale Step, landing blows to Luthor's exposed side.
But just as Kaiden landed a solid strike, Luthor swung his axe downward with blinding speed. Kaiden barely managed to dodge, rolling out of the way just in time, the ground beneath him cracking as Luthor's blow hit the stone.
Luthor was faster now—much faster. His ability to adapt was impressive, and Kaiden couldn't afford to underestimate him. But there was one thing Luthor didn't have: Kaiden's agility.
Kaiden grinned as he sprinted forward. "Let's see how you handle this."
The Vanguard's Grip: Final Form
Kaiden knew it was time to end this. He couldn't keep dodging forever. He needed to turn the tide and deliver a decisive blow.
He moved fluidly, activating Third Form: Blade of the Phoenix, the edge of his sword glowing with bright, fiery energy. He wasn't using Flow—yet. He was keeping his energy reserve for when it really mattered.
Luthor swung his axe with brutal force, but Kaiden ducked low and weaved around the attack. With a quick strike, Kaiden landed a slash across Luthor's side, the fiery energy from his sword cutting through the stone armor with ease. But Luthor retaliated instantly, swinging his axe in a vicious arc, forcing Kaiden to retreat.
"Getting tired, are we?" Kaiden taunted, his breath steady despite the intensity of the fight. "Guess all that muscle doesn't help with stamina, does it?"
Luthor roared in frustration, his body surging with Flow as he slammed his axe down, creating a shockwave that rattled the arena. Kaiden barely managed to roll out of the way, the shockwave grazing his side. He was running out of room to maneuver.
Kaiden's grin didn't falter. This is where I end it.
He took a deep breath, then activated Ninth Form: Aegis Rising as Luthor swung his axe downward once more. Kaiden deflected the strike with precision, using his sword to parry the blow and redirect the force. He followed up with a quick counter, using the moment of deflection to land a devastating blow to Luthor's neck. The strike was clean, and Luthor stumbled backward, blood trickling from the gash.
The Final Blow
Luthor's eyes widened as Kaiden stepped back, his stance shifting into Tenth Form: Sovereign's Wrath. Kaiden's sword glowed brighter, and he focused every bit of Flow he had left into the strike.
With a final, determined movement, Kaiden launched himself at Luthor, his sword cutting through the air like lightning. The blow landed directly on Luthor's stone armor, but this time, the Flow-powered strike shattered it, sending pieces of rock flying in all directions.
Luthor crumpled to the ground, his massive form falling in slow motion. Kaiden landed gracefully, his breathing heavy but steady.
Aftermath
The arena fell silent as Kaiden stood over his fallen opponent, his chest rising and falling with each breath. He wiped the sweat from his brow, his sword still glowing faintly.
"Guess that's the end of the show, huh?" Kaiden muttered, his lips curling into a smirk. "Could've been more challenging, but I'll take it."
The commentator's voice boomed, the energy in the arena suddenly surging. "Kaiden Solivare wins his first duel in Stage 2: Trial of Blades! A masterful display of agility, technique, and pure willpower!"
As Kaiden walked off the field, he couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. This wasn't just about the victory—it was about proving that speed and strategy could beat pure strength. And now, with one opponent down, Kaiden knew he was one step closer to proving his worth in the Trial of Blades.
End of Chapter 58
Kaiden's victory over Luthor Dragal is a hard-fought battle, but it's only the beginning of what's to come in the Trial of Blades. With his next opponents waiting, Kaiden must continue to adapt, overcome, and push himself past his limits.
To be continued...