What was that?
Dominus effortlessly deflected Jaz's attack, his expression unwavering. Though a peculiar sensation still lingered in his mind, he remained completely present in the fight, his golden aura pulsating steadily.
Jaz, however, didn't hesitate. No moment was wasted. Crimson arcs slashed through the air, relentless and precise, each one a testament to her training.
Sweat dripped down her brow, her muscles burning, but she refused to slow down. Every strike carried her hunger to surpass her limits.
Dominus didn't move an inch. His hands, swift as a falcon's talons, continued deflecting the crimson arcs with ease. His golden aura shimmered around him like an impenetrable fortress.
Then, a change.
A single arc among the barrage burned brighter, heavier, charged with an intent far stronger than the rest. It surged toward him, its raw energy crackling through the air.
Dominus's sharp gaze flickered. This one was different.
In a fraction of a second, he shifted his stance. His right foot pressed firmly into the ground, muscles coiling, bracing for impact. His hand, already glowing with power, moved instinctively as he whispered:
[Aura Armament I: Golden Schwert]
A brilliant surge of golden light burst forth, molding itself into a radiant blade that fused seamlessly with his hand.
The crimson arc was upon him—mere inches away.
[SWING]
With lightning speed, Dominus slashed forward. His golden arc roared to life, effortlessly cleaving through the incoming attack, shattering it into nothingness.
But his strike did not stop there. With terrifying momentum, it surged forward, tearing through the lingering remnants of Jaz's attacks, racing straight toward her.
For the first time in this fight, Jaz was on the back foot.
The golden arc loomed before her, massive, all-consuming. But rather than panic, she smiled—fierce, unwavering. She had expected nothing less from him.
With a steady breath, she whispered:
[Aura Armament I: Descent Arc]
A crimson explosion erupted around her, her aura surging with ferocity. Her curved aura sword materialized, sharper and deadlier. In a flash, she cut through the golden arc, splitting it cleanly in two.
***
Aura Armament
The most advanced manifestations of aura control. It wasn't just about shaping energy into weapons, but refining one's intent and will into a tangible force. True mastery over it required an deep understanding of its three distinct phases.
Phase I: Aura Manifestation — shaping raw energy into an extension of the warrior's body. The aura transformed into weapons, shields, or tools, but remained unstable, demanding perfect control. For most warriors, this was the beginning and the limit of their power.
Phase II: Solidification — the aura took on physical form, no longer an ephemeral force but a real, wieldable weapon.
This is the mark of an Aura Master, a warrior who could harness their energy with absolute precision. Their weapons became an extension of their will, capable of clashing with steel and breaking mountains.
Phase III: The Final Form — an evolution beyond weapons. Here, aura became an extension of the self, fusing with the body to create an indomitable force. An armor. An ability. A manifestation of the warrior's very essence.
Few in history had ever reached this level. To wield this form meant to transcend the limits of the flesh, to become one with power itself.
***
For Jaz, her Descent Arc was the culmination of countless hours of training, blood, and sacrifice. And she was still perfecting it.
But she wasn't done.
Before the remnants of the golden energy could fade, she vanished. The wind howled in her wake.
A heartbeat later, she reappeared—right beside Dominus.
Her blade, now an extension of her very being, gleamed with raw intent as it sliced toward his neck.
But Dominus didn't flinch. His eyes, sharp as ever, tracked her movements with terrifying clarity.
[THWAACK!]
A devastating punch met her stomach before she could react.
The impact sent a shockwave through the arena. Jaz's body curled inward as the force hurled her across the arena.
Dust scattered as she skidded to a stop at the far edge. Her fingers clawed at the ground, desperate to steady herself.
"Urrgghh.."
Her breath came in sharp, ragged gasps. Pain flared through her core, but she refused to crumble. She pressed a hand to her stomach, forcing herself to sit up.
"Still want to continue?" Dominus asked, his tone as steady as ever.
His voice lacked mockery, lacked condescension. Instead, it held something rare—concern.
He knew her drive. He knew how hard she had pushed herself, how desperate she is. But he also feared that her desperation would break her before it allowed her to grow.
He wanted to end this, but the rules were absolute. Until the challenger admitted defeat, the fight would rage on.
Jaz wiped the sweat from her brow, her expression twisted between pain and exhilaration.
"No!... I felt it. I definitely felt it. I was just… this close, Captain."
Her voice trembled, but not from weakness—from excitement.
She was on the verge of something.
She could feel it.
Dominus watched her in silence, his expression unreadable. Then, something shifted in his weathered features—a change so subtle it could have easily been overlooked. The corner of his lips curled, not in the confident smirk of a superior warrior, but something more restrained, more genuine. In his golden eyes, there was no mockery, no pity—only a quiet pride, a recognition. He understood
"Then, whenever you're ready."
Gritting her teeth, Jaz pushed herself up. Every muscle screamed in protest, but she ignored the pain. Her aura flared once more, crimson light engulfing her as she whispered:
[Aura Armament I: Descent Arc]
A violent gust exploded outward, shaking the ground as her aura pulsed with raw intensity. The crimson energy writhed around her, shifting, shaping—her will forging it into form. Her blade reappeared, but this time, it was different. Sharper. Deadlier.
Aura Armament—Phase I. Her aura had taken the form of a weapon, but it was still an extension of her will, unstable and raw. Yet, it was hers to command.
Nothing else existed.
No world beyond this moment. No arena. Nothing!
Just her and Dominus.
"Then… I won't hold back either."
Dominus exhaled, his own golden aura flaring in response. The energy around him sharpened, crackling like lightning as he prepared himself. The air between them crackled as their energies clashed.
The wind carried his whisper, his golden aura flaring brilliantly. His loose garments billowed under the force of power, but he stood unshaken. His smirk widened slightly as he whispered:
[Aura Armament II: Enma]
Phase II—Solidification. The mark of an Aura Master.