kaidoakario

Once every 10,000 years, the heavens open, and the Mortal Realm is cast into turmoil. The Great Reset begins—a cosmic reckoning where empires fall, beasts awaken, and only the strongest carve their names into eternity. For those who survive, the path to the Astral Realm and the right to claim divinity awaits.

Raikai, a warrior forged in storms, wields the power of the Celestial Iron Body Cultivation, his flesh tempered into living steel. His Death Arms—twin scythes bound by chains—dance like a mythological dragon, crackling with lightning, capturing and tearing apart those who stand in his way.

Beside him stands Shinryu, swift and precise, blessed by the Celestial Tiger. His Death Arms, a pair of white leather gloves with retractable claws, strike with divine speed—every slash a whisper of the heavens’ fury.

Together, they ascend the path of blood and power, bound by brotherhood yet tested by fate. Their bond is their greatest strength, but in a world where the Death Arms grow with their wielders—feeding on their victories and failures—power often demands a terrible price.

As the 10,000-year Reset begins, ancient titans stir, forgotten sects rise from the shadows, and primordial beasts long thought extinct awaken. The heavens will bear witness as Raikai and Shinryu defy the gods—or die trying.

In an age where flesh is reforged into iron and weapons evolve alongside the soul—two brothers will challenge destiny itself!

imperial celestial

The dueling arena was carved into the heart of the Azure Dragon Clan's mountain stronghold, an open-air battlefield surrounded by towering cliffs where thunder rolled overhead.

Xue Mor and Raikai stood across from each other. The air between them was thick with tension, the ground beneath them already humming with the charge of his presence.

Shin Rai leaned forward, watching with sharp amusement. "Begin."

He lunged—fast, relentless, like a storm breaking free. His twin scythes flashed in the air, linked by their lightning-wreathed chains as he swung them in a deadly arc.

Xue Mor barely had time to react. She threw herself backward, the chains slicing through the air where she had stood. With a flick of her wrist, icy needles erupted from her sleeves, hurtling toward him.

Raikai didn't dodge—he plowed through them. His body shimmered with crackling lightning energy, the frost melting before it could reach him.

Xue Mor narrowed her eyes. He's burning through energy fast. She needed to use that against him.

She darted to the side, weaving through his relentless assault, laying down freezing traps across the arena. Every step left a faint layer of ice, spreading outward to restrict his movements.

She dashed in, her needle-thin daggers flashing, aiming for his exposed side.

But Raikai wasn't Shinryu.

Instead of retreating, he met her head-on.

With raw force, he twisted his chains, yanking his scythes back mid-swing. One looped around her wrist, pulling her off balance—

The next moment, lightning surged through the chain.

Pain exploded through her body as the shock pulsed through her veins. Her vision blurred for half a second—just long enough for Raikai to move.

He was suddenly in front of her, his hand gripping her collar, his other fist crackling with energy.

Then he slammed her into the ground.

Dust exploded. The impact sent cracks splintering across the stone floor.

Xue Mor gasped, her body screaming in protest, but Raikai had already stepped back, his scythes vanishing with a flick of his wrists.

Silence stretched across the arena.

Then—Raikai grinned.

"You're strong." He cracked his neck. "But you're not stronger than me."

Xue Mor clenched her jaw, forcing herself up. Her body ached, but her spirit refused to break.

She exhaled. "I never claimed to be."

Raikai's grin widened. He turned toward Shin Rai.

"I like her." His tone carried something rare—genuine respect.

Raikai stretched, rolling his shoulders. "She has the guts to stand in front of us and fight—not just talk. That's enough for me."

Shin Rai studied Xue Mor for a long moment. Then, he nodded.

"Fine." His voice was final. "The Azure Dragon Clan will stand with the Phoenix Cry Empire."

Xue Mor hid her relief well.

She had lost the battle—but she had won the war.

Trial of Strength: The Dragon’s Storm vs. The Widow’s Ice