The Black Knight

The obsidian-armored commander stepped forward, the firelight reflecting off his blackened plate. He moved with chilling precision, his massive greatsword dragging against the stone, leaving deep scars in its wake.

Kai gripped his sword tightly, his heart pounding. He had fought many battles, but something about this man—no, this warrior—felt different. There was an air of inevitability around him, like a storm that could not be stopped.

"You are the one they call Kai," the commander said, his voice deep and cold. "The rebel who defies the coalition."

Kai raised his blade. "And you are?"

The commander lifted his greatsword effortlessly, pointing it at Kai. "General Veydris. The man who will end you."

Before Kai could react, Veydris moved.

It was like a shadow splitting the air—fast, ruthless, unstoppable. Their swords met with a thunderous crash, the sheer force of impact sending Kai stumbling backward. His arms trembled from the strength behind the blow.

Veydris pressed forward. His attacks were relentless, each swing of his greatsword carrying enough power to split a man in two. Kai barely managed to dodge, rolling to the side as a downward slash shattered the stone where he had just been standing.

Kai countered with a quick strike, aiming for the gaps in the armor, but Veydris twisted, deflecting the blow with terrifying ease.

"You fight well," Veydris remarked. "But you are not strong enough."

Kai gritted his teeth. He couldn't match Veydris in raw power—but he didn't have to. He just needed to find an opening.

The battle around them raged on. Lyra and Solis were holding back the coalition's forces, while Elira fired arrows at any enemy who tried to flank Kai. But even as their strategy held, Kai knew the battle's outcome hinged on one thing—defeating Veydris.

Veydris lunged again, his sword carving through the air. Kai ducked low, dodging by inches. He retaliated with a swift upward slash, aiming for the gap in the black armor.

For the first time, his blade found its mark.

A thin line of blood trickled down Veydris's side.

The general paused, then looked down at the wound as if it were nothing more than a scratch. A slow, cold smirk crossed his lips.

"Interesting," Veydris muttered.

Then, with a single, brutal strike, he sent Kai crashing against the ruined wall.

Pain exploded through Kai's body. He gasped for air, his vision swimming. He barely had time to recover before Veydris was upon him again, raising his sword for the killing blow.

Kai's mind raced. He needed to move—now.

With the last of his strength, he rolled away just as the greatsword came down, shattering the stone where his head had been. Dust filled the air.

Kai staggered to his feet. His body ached. His breath came in ragged gasps.

But he wasn't done yet.

This fight was far from over.