The Shadow Claw

The flames of the black lanterns flickered in the night wind. The lifeless body of the last assassin lay on the floor in a pool of still-smoldering blood.

Kael slowly turned to the new figure that had appeared beside Veyron.

The man in black and gold had an aura so thick and oppressive that it seemed to warp the air around him.

This was no ordinary adversary.

Kael felt a chill run down his spine. Every instinct told him to prepare for the worst.

The Shadow Warrior

Veyron ran a hand through his dark hair, his usual amused smirk on his face.

"You've outlived my little welcome, Kael. Now… let's see if you're worthy of something more serious."

The man in black and gold took a step forward.

"I am Lucan, the Shadow Slasher."

SHOOM.

In the blink of an eye, Lucan was gone.

Kael didn't see him move.

He felt it.

A sharp wind grazed his face and then—

HE FELT THE PAIN.

An invisible blow struck him in the side, knocking him to the ground.

BOOM!

The stone floor cracked beneath him.

Kael gasped. He hadn't seen the blow coming.

He stood up, gritting his teeth.

"Guardian's Seal: Adamantium Skin!"

A golden layer of magic formed on his skin, making him ten times stronger.

Lucan smiled.

"Let's see if your magic can handle my Shadow Claw."

SHOOM.

Lucan was gone again.

Kael looked up, but his opponent was everywhere and nowhere.

Then, he felt danger.

Three strikes.

One to the chest. One to the shoulder. One to the leg.

Kael was swept away, rolling across the floor in a trail of sparks and blood.

A Power Above Limits

Kael spat blood, panting.

Lucan was too fast.

He couldn't win with brute force.

But he could change the rules.

"Reality Seal: Stasis Field!"

Kael stomped his foot.

A circle of blue energy spread around him.

Space froze.

Lucan, who had been lunging for the final blow, stopped dead in his tracks.

His movements slowed. He could no longer move at the same speed.

Kael had distorted time and space around him.

Lucan gritted his teeth.

"Interesting… but not enough."

His eyes glowed red. The shadow behind him took shape.

A giant dark claw detached itself from his body and attacked Kael with brutal force.

Kael raised both hands.

"Seal of Absorption: Arcane Chasm!"

BOOM!

The air exploded in a whirlwind of energy. The shadow claw was devoured by a black hole of pure magic.

Kael emerged from the light, his cloak torn, his body covered in cuts.

But he was smiling.

"Now we're even."

Lucan tilted his head.

"Maybe. But I'm not serious yet."

SHOOM.

And he was gone again.

Kael knew that this battle… had just begun.