Chapter 24: The Phantom Slayer vs. The Dark Knight

Chapter 24: The Phantom Slayer vs. The Dark Knight

The battlefield fell into silence. The flames crackled, the last remnants of the shadow beasts dissolving into black mist.

Reo tightened his grip on his Shadow Blade, his green eyes locked onto Zareth, the Dark Knight of Oblivion.

Lucia and Celestia stepped beside him, their expressions grim.

Celestia whispered, "Reo… be careful. Zareth isn't just strong—he's an ancient warrior, sealed away for a reason."

Zareth smirked, tapping his blood-red sword against his shoulder. "Let's see if you live up to your title, Phantom Slayer."

Then, in a blink, Zareth vanished.

BOOM!

A shockwave tore through the air as he reappeared in front of Reo, swinging his sword down at lightning speed.

Reo barely managed to block in time, their blades clashing with explosive force. The impact sent a massive crater forming beneath them.

Lucia's eyes widened. "That speed—"

But she couldn't finish. Zareth's dark energy erupted like a storm, knocking Reo backward.

Reo skid across the ground but quickly regained his footing.

Zareth chuckled. "You're fast, but…"

WHOOSH!

He disappeared again, reappearing behind Reo with his sword aimed for his back.

Reo didn't turn—he just smirked.

"Phantom Step."

In an instant, Reo's body turned into a shadowy blur, dodging Zareth's attack effortlessly.

Zareth's blade sliced through empty air.

Before he could react—

SLASH!

Reo appeared above him, swinging his Shadow Blade in a powerful arc.

A shockwave of dark energy exploded, tearing through the battlefield.

Zareth barely blocked it, his feet dragging against the ground. His eyes gleamed with excitement. "Interesting… You're not bad."

Lucia exhaled in relief. "Reo is keeping up with him…"

Celestia, however, frowned. "No. Zareth is playing with him."

Reo felt it too. Zareth wasn't even serious yet.

Zareth cracked his neck. "Let's stop messing around."

Suddenly—

A black aura erupted around him, distorting the air itself.

Reo's instincts screamed. He's getting serious.

Zareth raised his blade. "Let's see how you handle this—"

Then, he swung his sword.

"Oblivion Cleave."

A monstrous black wave of destruction surged forward, swallowing the ground as it rushed toward Reo.

Reo reacted instantly.

"Shadow Barrier!"

His defensive magic activated, forming a dome of pure shadow energy.

BOOOOOM!

Zareth's attack collided with the barrier, shattering it completely and sending Reo flying back.

Lucia gasped. "Reo—!"

Reo hit the ground hard, coughing up blood. His arms numb from the impact.

Zareth smirked. "Not bad. You survived."

Reo wiped the blood from his lips. His mana reserves were draining fast. If this continued, he'd lose.

He needed to go all out.

He glanced at Celestia. "I have stat points left, right?"

Celestia nodded. "Yes! You can use them to boost your power right now."

Reo opened his Status Window.

[Available Stat Points: 5000]

A smirk formed on his lips. "Alright. Let's power up."

He dumped ALL of his points into Strength, Agility, and Magic.

BOOM!

A surge of energy exploded from his body. His aura tripled in intensity.

Zareth's smirk vanished. "Oh?"

Lucia stared in awe. "He… got stronger."

Reo exhaled. He felt lighter, faster, stronger.

He pointed his blade at Zareth. "My turn."

He vanished.

WHOOSH!

In an instant, Reo was behind Zareth.

Zareth's eyes barely had time to widen before—

SLASH!

A powerful crescent-shaped dark wave erupted from Reo's sword, sending Zareth crashing through five buildings.

Lucia gasped. "He actually landed a hit?!"

Zareth stood up from the rubble, wiping black blood from his mouth.

Then, for the first time—

He grinned.

"This just got interesting."

He raised his blade again, and his power skyrocketed even further.

Celestia's eyes widened. "He's still holding back?!"

Reo clenched his fists. This battle was far from over.

To Be Continued…