Chapter 26: Not Fully Healed Yet

Elijah glanced at Kai, their eyes meeting for a split second before they both sprang into action, moving at blinding speed. The forest around them seemed to blur as they aimed to attack the panther's blind spots, their fierce battle raining down on the creature.

The panther's three tails swirled, surrounded by a green aura that increased its speed, sending small wind arcs slicing through the air in every direction.

The lush foliage of the forest rustled and tore under the force of their clashes, the sounds of battle echoing through the trees.

Elijah coughed up blood unexpectedly, his unhealed injuries reacting violently and pushing him back as he tried to block an incoming attack.

The One Leaf Lotus he wielded disappeared as he crashed through a massive tree, splintering wood and scattering leaves as the wind slash lost its power. The ground beneath him was torn apart by the impact, leaving a trail of destruction.

Kai moved with the grace of a seasoned warrior, dodging effortlessly and countering the strikes with his own. Small black arcs materialized from his sword, blocking the panther's attacks.

He dashed forward, his voice booming, "Oni Black!" A massive moon arc, spanning five meters, appeared, followed by another arc made of wind. The force of the arcs sliced through the air, creating shockwaves that rattled the surrounding trees.

Boom!

The panther's tails and Kai's sword clashed, sending sparks flying. Elijah, just meters away, caught his breath and wiped the blood from his mouth, suddenly sensing a large amount of killing intent behind him. The air grew thick with tension as he realized the danger closing in.

BBOOMM!

Kai tried to block the attack, but the panther was faster and more powerful. Cuts appeared on his body, his blood staining the ground as he jumped back. "Where is Elijah?" he thought, his senses spread wide to locate his friend before hearing a large explosion nearby.

'That power.' A frown formed on Kai's face as he deflected another attack. The sheer force of the blows sent ripples through the ground, shaking the very earth beneath them.

"Seems like he wasn't fully healed." Kai stared at the panther, determination in his eyes. "Just give me a few minutes, I'll be done here," he told himself.

Dark energy began to swirl around his body, forming a spectral samurai armor. "Black Cloak," Kai exclaimed, his voice resonating with power.

The panther, not missing a beat, rushed at him, its palm enhanced by its element, speeding down with deadly force.

At the last moment, Kai dodged the attack, but the panther's tails struck, destroying his armor and causing a major wound. "ARGH!" he screamed, the pain searing through his body.

Before the other hand could hit, Kai jumped back, creating some distance between them. "I told you this was a bad idea," he muttered under his breath.

An explosion behind him caught his attention, and he turned to see Elijah flying through the air, breaking trees before coming to a halt.

"Are you okay?" Kai shouted, still focused on the panther.

"Just a few broken bones, don't worry. How about you?" Elijah inquired, standing up and repositioning his hand. His voice was steady, but his body showed signs of the intense battle.

"I'm surviving," Kai replied. Both young men stared at their opponent as the panther slashed forward, sending three large sword arcs tearing through the ground, rushing toward them.

Kai and Elijah charged forward, lightning bursting around them as the single leaf lotus appeared. The air crackled with electricity, and the ground shook with each step they took.

Kai struggled to dodge the incoming attacks, some breaking through his armor and landing painful blows. With a deep gash on his upper body, he fought to stay on his feet, blood flowing freely.

He focused on his breathing to control the bleeding, but the panther showed no mercy, rushing at him with its tails ready to strike.

Mustering all his remaining strength, Kai raised his sword, blocking the three tails. The ground cracked from the impact, creating deep fissures. The pressure increased as the panther prepared another burst, focusing its remaining mana in its mouth.

Shiiiiirkkkk!

A beam of wind shot out at close range, but Kai's dark shield formed just in time to protect him. The shield was destroyed instantly, repairing itself repeatedly until Kai almost used all his mana to block. The force of the beam created a massive crater, dust and debris filling the air.

The beam stopped, giving Kai a moment to rest, but the panther was already preparing another attack. Kai shook his head in disbelief, sweat dripping down his face, and closed his eyes for a moment. The forest around them seemed to hold its breath, the tension palpable.

"Dark... Lightless Slash!" He launched the attack, the five-meter arc cutting through the air with a deafening roar, destroying the panther's beam. The impact sent shockwaves rippling through the forest, uprooting trees and sending debris flying.

BOOOOOMMM!

Dust rose, and when it settled, two figures were seen clashing in the midst of the destruction. The ground was scorched, and the air was filled with the acrid smell of burnt wood and ozone.

Ting! Ting! Ting!

'I need to hurry,' Kai thought, feeling the intense power behind him that made him worried. But knowing Elijah, he would be fine. To ensure his friend's safety, Kai needed to defeat the panther quickly. The forest, now a battlefield, stood as a testament to their fierce struggle, each moment bringing them closer to the final blow.