(Kael grips the hilt of the Blade of Frost and Fire, his breath steady. The forge crackles with unstable energy—the icy blue light of the blade clashing violently against the crimson frost lingering in the air. The entire chamber feels as if two opposing worlds are colliding.)
(But then—)
Zephyrn (laughing): "Oh? Looks like the weapon chose you!"
(His voice is filled with amusement—mocking, unconcerned. He spreads his arms slightly, his black armor creaking against the movement. The cracked helmet reveals a glimpse of his pale, sharp features, his eyes gleaming with cold amusement.)
Zephyrn (grinning): "Do you think this is some grand tale, boy? A legendary sword awakens for the chosen hero? Hah!"
(His smirk sharpens.)
Zephyrn: "Nothing can save you from me today."
(And then, he moves.)
(FWOOOSH!)
(Zephyrn vanishes. Kael barely has time to react before a chilling force slams into his side—a blur of crimson and black crashing into him. The impact sends Kael skidding across the forge floor, sparks flying as his body scrapes against stone.)
Kael (gritted teeth): "Tch—!"
(Before he can rise, Zephyrn is already there. A spiked frost gauntlet slams down, aiming for Kael's skull. Instinct kicks in. Kael rolls, barely avoiding the devastating strike—but ice erupts from the impact point, catching his arm.)
(His left arm instantly numbs—frost biting into his flesh.)
Zephyrn (smirking): "Too slow."
Kael (thinking, struggling): Damn it, he's fast!
(But Kael doesn't hesitate. He tightens his grip on the blade and swings—a rising arc of glowing silver and blue cutting through the air.)
(SHRRRIIING—!)
(For the first time, Zephyrn actually dodges.)
(The energy from the sword slices through the frozen air, carving a deep, burning scar into the stone wall behind them. The impact releases a pulse—an eerie mix of flame and frost—that forces Zephyrn to jump back.)
Zephyrn (narrowing his eyes): "Hmph. That wasn't normal."
(Kael breathes heavily, staring at the blade in his hands. It's reacting. The energy from earlier still flows through him, but he doesn't understand how to control it.)
Kael (gritting his teeth, thinking): I can feel the power, but—!
(No time to think.)
(Zephyrn charges again.)
(**Kael forces his body forward, swinging the blade in a downward arc. Zephyrn meets the attack head-on with his own crimson ice blade.)
(CLANG—!!!)
(The impact sends a shockwave through the forge, shaking the walls.)
(Kael pushes. For the first time, he isn't just defending. He forces Zephyrn back, the power of the blade fueling him, driving him. The cold and heat surge within him, intertwining.)
Zephyrn (grinning): "Not bad."
(Kael doesn't respond. He just moves.)
(A flash of silver and blue. A trail of burning frost.)
(The battle truly begins.)
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Next: The Blade's true power starts to manifest—but can Kael last long enough to understand it?