The Battle Unfolds

The battlefield roared with the clash of swords and the cries of warriors. Elves fought fiercely against Cedric's elite knights, their magic weaving through the chaos like ribbons of light. But in the heart of the ruins, the true battle raged—father against son.

Ezekeil's sword clashed violently against Cedric's, golden sparks igniting with every strike. Their movements were a blur, each attack more vicious than the last. Cedric grinned through the struggle, his strength undeniable even in his weakened state.

"You've grown, boy," Cedric sneered, parrying a strike before forcing Ezekeil back with a powerful burst of dark energy. "But you're still nothing compared to me."

Ezekeil didn't flinch. His blade twisted midair, deflecting the attack just before it could pierce his side. "We'll see about that."

The ground trembled beneath them, the magic radiating from their battle warping the air. Cedric fought with pure aggression and cunning, his experience evident in every calculated strike. But Ezekeil was faster, his instincts sharper than ever.

For the first time, Cedric's smirk faltered. His son was keeping up with him.

And that was unacceptable.

Dark energy coiled around Cedric's body, pulsating like a second heartbeat. His golden eyes glowed unnaturally as the scales began to spread across his skin.

"Did you really think that was all I had?" Cedric growled.

A pulse of power erupted from him, knocking Ezekeil back as wings unfolded from his back, black as midnight. His body radiated heat, warping the air around him. His voice, now deeper, resonated with ancient strength—the voice of a true dragon's kin.

Ezekeil barely had time to react before Cedric vanished from sight.

Then, pain.

A crushing force slammed into Ezekeil's stomach, sending him crashing through a stone pillar. Dust filled the air as the entire battlefield seemed to still.

Ezekeil groaned, pushing himself up just in time to see Cedric descend from above like a predator. He barely rolled out of the way before the ground shattered beneath Cedric's impact.

Cedric's laughter was filled with pure exhilaration. "You should've never come here, boy."

Ezekeil gritted his teeth. This… this was different.

Cedric had always been powerful, but this? This was something else entirely. His attacks were stronger, faster, unlike anything Ezekeil had ever faced.

Still, he pushed forward. He refused to fall.

Cedric smirked, seeing his son rise again. "Still standing? Then let's make this interesting."

A bolt of dark energy shot toward Ezekeil, and he braced for impact—

Only for another surge of magic to cut through it midair.

From the shadows, a figure stepped forward.

Tom.

Holding a strange relic pulsing with energy.

Cedric's expression darkened instantly.

Tom examined the relic in his hand, turning it slightly, testing its power. His violet eyes gleamed with interest. "I have to admit, Cedric, you do have good taste. Keeping this locked away all this time… a shame, really."

Cedric's fists clenched, the shadows around him growing violent. "You dare—"

Tom barely spared him a glance. "Oh, don't mind me. I'm just testing something."

He raised the relic. Magic crackled around him as he unleashed a powerful blast directly at Cedric.

The attack collided with the darkened sky, splitting through the air with a thunderous boom. Cedric lifted an arm, absorbing the blast, but the sheer force of it forced him back.

A beat of silence.

Then, something dangerous shifted in Cedric's expression.

Ezekeil immediately sensed it.

Cedric let out a slow, low growl, his golden eyes burning with pure fury. "You think you can use my own weapon against me?"

The ground trembled beneath them as Cedric's aura surged violently, his power spiking even higher. His wings spread fully, and the darkened sky twisted as his energy consumed the battlefield.

Tom chuckled. "Whoops. Guess that made him mad."

Ezekeil shot him a glare. "Then stay out of this."

Tom smirked but took a step back, watching with clear amusement.

Ezekeil turned his full focus back to Cedric, gripping his sword tighter. He steadied his breathing. No distractions.

Cedric charged.

The force of his attack sent shockwaves through the battlefield. Ezekeil barely blocked in time, his knees digging into the dirt from the sheer impact. Cedric was stronger than ever.

For the first time, Ezekeil felt the weight of true struggle.

This wasn't just a battle.

This was a war between blood.

And only one of them would walk away alive.