Atticus hovered above a crater of impossible scale, not a single hair out of place.
The wills of the slain viscounts had hardened into brilliant armor around him, each plate radiating a pressure so heavy the air itself trembled.
"I–impossible…"
Merek's voice quivered as his eyes met Atticus' burning gaze.
"H–how… how did you do th—?"
"Endless Blade."
Atticus' katana left the sheath before Merek could finish, the blade blurring as it spun around him at impossible speed.
Gasps rippled across the battlefield as countless slashes materialized in the sky, so many that they smothered the heavens and drenched the land in shadow. But no one felt the terror more than Merek.
Atticus lowered his arm, and the slashes tore forward.
"I won't lose!"
Merek roared, unleashing a tidal wave of will that folded into a protective dome. The barrage slammed into it, explosions hammering the dome and twisting Merek's face with pain.
