Chapter 11: The Clash of Powers

The air between Daisuke and Korrick crackled with tension. Daisuke could feel the weight of the situation pressing down on him. Korrick, the man who had led a mercenary force that struck fear into the hearts of countless villages, was standing before him. His power was undeniable, and for a moment, Daisuke questioned whether he was truly ready to face such an opponent.

But then, the system's voice rang out in his mind, a familiar sound that grounded him.

"Power surge detected. Initiating combat mode."

Daisuke's breath steadied. He had the system, and with it, the potential to match anyone in a battle. He could feel the energy flowing through him, sharper now, more focused. He could feel his heart beating in rhythm with the flow of power, like a symphony that pushed him forward.

Korrick smirked, his gaze never leaving Daisuke. "You think you can win against me? You haven't even begun to understand what you're up against."

Daisuke didn't respond. Instead, he shifted his weight and lunged forward, his sword slicing through the air. The speed of his attack caught Korrick off guard for a moment, but the mercenary leader was quick, his own magic swirling around him like a protective shield.

Wind whipped through the tent as Korrick raised his hand. "Wind Magic: Cyclone Strike!"

In an instant, a violent blast of wind shot out from Korrick's palm, slamming into Daisuke and sending him flying across the tent. His back hit the side of a wooden crate, and he gritted his teeth, feeling the sting of the impact.

Daisuke scrambled to his feet, the system immediately analyzing his surroundings. The data appeared in his mind—analyzing Korrick's magic, his movements, and weaknesses. Daisuke wasn't going to make the same mistake as before. He had to adapt quickly.

"Wind Magic detected. Preparing countermeasure: Fire Magic."

Daisuke's eyes narrowed. Korrick was using elemental magic, and wind magic was one of the most dangerous. But Daisuke had learned that with the right counter, any element could be turned to dust. He needed to think strategically.

He thrust his sword into the ground, activating his system to generate fire energy. His hand pulsed with heat, and a wave of fiery energy enveloped the blade.

"Fire Magic: Inferno Slash!" Daisuke shouted, swinging the sword in an arc.

The flames burst forward, roaring like a lion, clashing against the whirlwind of wind magic Korrick had summoned. The two elements collided in a spectacular explosion of power, lighting up the tent with a flash of bright orange and white.

Korrick's expression darkened as he raised both hands. "Not bad," he sneered, "but you're still too weak."

He slammed his fists together, and the air around him vibrated violently. "Earth Magic: Crushing Fist!"

The ground beneath Daisuke's feet shattered as large boulders erupted from the floor, hurtling toward him at an overwhelming speed. Daisuke's eyes widened, and in a split second, he activated his system to react.

"Earth Magic detected. Countermeasure: Lightning Magic."

Daisuke's body thrummed with energy, his muscles tense and ready. He summoned the power within, raising his hand to the sky. The tent's structure seemed to distort as energy crackled through the air. Lightning surged down from above, striking the ground in a brilliant, crackling explosion. The lightning split the boulders in half, sending chunks of stone flying in every direction.

Korrick's eyes flickered with something like surprise, but it was gone almost instantly, replaced by cold amusement. "So, you can use all the elements, huh? It's a good thing I specialize in manipulation."

He raised his arms again, this time not just summoning the elements but manipulating them. The wind began to spin wildly around him, and the earth beneath Daisuke's feet began to tremble. Korrick's aura expanded like a storm, and Daisuke could feel the pressure on his own body growing.

"I will break you, just like I've broken so many others," Korrick said, his voice a low growl.

Daisuke clenched his fists, the system responding to his defiance. "Combat mode: Enhanced Strength and Speed. Preparing for final engagement."

He focused everything on his sword, feeling the system's power infuse his every movement. He could see the weak points in Korrick's magic, the spots where his concentration wavered. The system helped him track the shifting currents of air, the subtle movement of the ground beneath his feet. He was no longer just reacting—he was controlling the flow of battle.

With a deep breath, Daisuke charged forward once more, his sword held high. "I'm not backing down."

Korrick's smile twisted into a snarl as he summoned another blast of wind, but this time, Daisuke was ready. He ducked and weaved, moving like lightning, closing the distance between them. At the last moment, he slashed his sword downward in a wide arc.

"Fire and Lightning Slash!" he roared.

The sword's blade ignited with both fire and lightning, a dual-elemental strike that sliced through the air like a bolt of pure destruction. The energy crackled, sending shockwaves through the tent as it collided with Korrick's defensive magic.

The force of the blow shattered Korrick's shield, and for a brief moment, Daisuke saw the mercenary leader's vulnerability. With a quick step, Daisuke swung his sword again, this time aiming for Korrick's chest.

Korrick barely managed to dodge, but the attack still grazed him, leaving a deep burn mark across his arm. He staggered back, his expression now one of genuine anger.

"You dare challenge me?" Korrick growled. "You are nothing but a child!"

Daisuke's breath was coming in ragged gasps, but he wasn't about to stop. His body might be worn from the battle, but the fire in his heart hadn't diminished. The system pulsed within him, pushing him to the limits of his strength.

"I'm not backing down, Korrick," Daisuke said, his voice low but fierce. "I'm going to end this."

Korrick's eyes narrowed in fury, and for a moment, the entire tent seemed to crackle with his rage.

"Then prepare to die!"