Blades Collide

Without a second's hesitation, the Onion Knight charged forward, and Ares immediately activated the phantom skill to meet him. Their blades clashed with a thunderous impact, the sheer force of their collision cracking the ground beneath them. Their power clashed fiercely, like a battle between a tiger and a lion.

'Be careful, Ares! This knight's power is on another level!' Sylphir warned.

'I know,' Ares replied through clenched teeth, gripping his blade tightly as he held off the attack.

Immediately, Ares's Frostbear Claw materialized in his other hand, aiming to deliver a surprise attack on the Orion Knight. However, just before he could swing, the knight swiftly stepped back, evading the strike.

From a meter away, Ares locked eyes with the Orion Knight and could feel the intense killing intent radiating from the knight's gaze.

In an instant, Ares didn't expect the knight to use Skybreaker Dash. The knight moved with blinding speed, appearing right in front of him. Magnus caught off guard from behind, was sent flying backward, his spear soaring into the air. Ares, still standing, widened his eyes in shock at the unexpected attack, Leaving him frozen in the middle of the battle.

'W-What just happened?' Ares thought, quickly turning his head to look behind him.

After seeing Magnus sitting on the ground, his body covered in wounds, Ares clenched his teeth in anger. Without hesitation, he activated his spirit's passive ability.

'500 spirit conversion to attack,' Ares murmured.

Immediately, his weapon began to glow, infused with the newfound power.

Sylphir tried to stop him. 'Hey, don't be reckle—'

Before she could finish her sentence, Ares had already dashed forward at the knight. He unleashed two swift slashes, but Onion Knight managed to block them—though the sheer force still sent him staggering backward. Seizing the moment, Ares launched another attack aimed at the knight's lower body."

As Ares swung his dagger and claw in rapid succession at the knight, he growled through clenched teeth, 'You bastard! How dare you attack Magnus!'

The battle raged on for an hour, with neither side gaining the upper hand. Despite Ares's relentless attacks, he could barely scratch the Onion Knight, who deflected every strike with precision. Yet, both of them showed no signs of exhaustion, their stamina seemingly endless.

Their blades clashed fiercely, sparks flying with every impact. They dashed at each other, weaving and zigzagging to evade incoming attacks, locked in an intense and unyielding duel.

'He's tough... I knew the boss would be strong, but I didn't expect this!' Ares murmured, twirling his dagger in his grip.

Just then, the knight began to speak, his voice so deep and guttural that Ares could barely understand.

'You... human. You seem different from the others, but—'

Before the Onion Knight could finish his words, he suddenly tossed his dagger into the air, creating a split-second distraction. In an instant, he slammed his hand into the ground, releasing a powerful shockwave meant to stun his opponent.

Ares barely managed to dodge, leaping into the air just in time to avoid the attack—but Magnus, still sitting on the ground behind him, wasn't as lucky. The force struck him directly, sending him crashing down once more.

Poor Magnus… he was always the one getting hit.

'You monster!' Ares muttered angrily, his fists tightening. 'Why do you always go after him?!'

The knight's voice rumbled in response. 'Weaklings have no place here. Only the strong survive.'

'You piece of shit,' Ares thought, his anger boiling over.

Without hesitation, he stretched his body like a leopard, activating his Phantom Step skill. In an instant, he vanished—only to reappear right in front of the knight, aiming for a surprise attack.

However, his strike was once again deflected with ease.

'Did you really think an attack like that could work against me?!' the knight taunted.

As an hour passed, Ares began to feel his stamina draining, his breaths growing heavier. In contrast, the knight remained standing like a god—unshaken, It was as if the battle had barely affected him. He simply stood there, calm and composed, his gaze locked onto Ares.

"Damn it… why does it feel like I'm the only one getting exhausted here?" Ares muttered under his breath.

Out of nowhere, Sylphir's voice rang out.

"You, human… do you really think you can defeat that knight with such reckless moves? That knight is the perfect vessel of the Elemental God. Look at him—he's just standing there, completely unfazed." "Even if you attack with all your strength, your strikes will only be deflected," Sylphir added.

"Then what should I do to kill him?" Ares asked, dumbfounded.

"First, help your ally—he's barely clinging to life! And second, calm down and come up with a plan, you fool!" Sylphir snapped.

Ares immediately dashed toward Magnus, whose body was covered in wounds.

'Are you okay?' Ares asked, his voice filled with concern. Without hesitation, he pulled out a Vital Surge Elixir and administered it to Magnus.

Within seconds, Magnus's wounds began to fade, his body slowly recovering.

'I... I'm fine, brother,' Magnus whispered, though pain still lingered in his voice from the impact.

"Don't move yet," Ares said, holding Magnus back while keeping his eyes locked on the knight's movements.

Magnus weakly whispered, "Brother... I'm sorry for being a burden to you. I just wish I could help, but—" He coughed, his voice strained.

Ares placed a firm hand on his shoulder, shaking his head. "Don't force yourself. I know you want to help, and you're not a burden to me. Just stay there and rest your body." He grinned, trying to reassure him.

"Brother… you're really amazing," Magnus said, his voice filled with admiration.

Ares nodded in acknowledgment, appreciating his words.

As they shared the moment, Sylphir suddenly butted in. "Hey, cut out the drama! I told you to help him, not turn this into some emotional scene!"

Before Ares could respond, the knight, growing impatient, shifted into a stance, stretching his body as if preparing to charge.

Seeing this, Ares quickly stood up, positioning himself protectively in front of Magnus.