Chapter 54: Clash of Titans
Kaorath's form loomed before them, a towering amalgamation of light and shadow. The energy radiating from his body warped the space around him, distorting the rift as if reality itself bent to his will. His eyes burned with an otherworldly fury, locked solely on Arlen.
"You've come far, mortal," Kaorath rumbled, his voice shaking the ground. "But your journey ends here."
Arlen stepped forward, his blade gleaming in defiance. "You've said that before, and yet I'm still standing. This time, I'll make sure you don't."
Kaorath's laughter echoed through the rift, a sound that sent chills down Liora's spine. "Arrogance is a mortal flaw. Let me show you the cost of defiance."
Without warning, Kaorath thrust his hand forward, and a wave of pure energy surged toward them. Arlen reacted instantly, raising his blade to meet the attack. The collision sent shockwaves rippling through the rift, forcing Liora, Kaelis, and Caden to shield themselves from the impact.
"Stay back!" Arlen commanded, his voice cutting through the chaos. "This fight is mine."
Kaelis hesitated, his grip on his axe tightening. "You can't take him alone!"
"He's not alone," Liora countered, her hands already glowing with power.
"No!" Arlen barked, his gaze never leaving Kaorath. "This fight is between us. If I fall, retreat and find another way. But for now, trust me."
The determination in his voice silenced any protest. Liora clenched her fists, stepping back reluctantly as Kaelis and Caden followed suit.
Kaorath watched with amusement, his form shifting fluidly. "How noble. Do you truly believe you can defeat me, mortal?"
Arlen smirked, his blade pulsing with energy. "I don't believe—I know."
The two clashed with a ferocity that shook the rift. Kaorath's strikes were devastating, each one tearing through the fabric of reality. Arlen met them with equal force, his movements a blend of raw power and precise technique. Sparks of energy rained down as their weapons collided, each blow pushing Arlen closer to his limits.
Kaorath's laughter grew louder, his strikes becoming more aggressive. "You are strong, mortal, but strength alone cannot save you!"
Arlen didn't respond. Instead, he channeled every ounce of his power into his blade, delivering a strike that sent Kaorath staggering back. The entity roared in fury, his form flickering as cracks began to appear in his energy.
"You dare wound me?" Kaorath snarled, his voice laced with disbelief.
"I told you," Arlen said, his voice steady despite the strain. "I'm not like the others you've faced."
Kaorath retaliated with a surge of dark energy, forcing Arlen to brace himself against the onslaught. The attack pushed him to his knees, but his resolve didn't waver. With a fierce cry, he rose and unleashed a powerful counterattack, striking Kaorath squarely in the chest.
The entity screamed, his form destabilizing further. But before Arlen could press the advantage, Kaorath released a blinding burst of light, forcing him to shield his eyes. When the light faded, the entity was gone.
"He escaped," Liora whispered, stepping forward cautiously.
Arlen's expression darkened, his grip on his blade tightening. "He's injured, but he'll heal. Next time, he won't be so lucky."
Kaelis approached, his gaze filled with concern. "You did it, Arlen. You pushed him back."
"For now," Arlen said, his voice heavy with determination. "But this isn't over. I'll find him, and I'll finish what we started."
The group stood in silence, the weight of the battle settling over them. The rift pulsed faintly around them, a reminder that their journey was far from complete.
As they prepared to move forward, Arlen glanced at the fading traces of Kaorath's energy. A vow burned in his heart: no matter the cost, he would end this once and for all.