Chapter 32: Duel of Brothers-in-Arms
The city square was swallowed in black fire, shadows writhing and shrieking like lost souls. But all of it faded in Le Wai's vision.
For him, there was only one enemy now—Kael.
They faced each other across the burning street, two blades gleaming under the glow of flame. Memories pressed down on them both, chains of a past that refused to die.
"Do you remember their faces, Le Wai?" Kael's voice cut through the chaos like a blade. "Every comrade you failed, every cry unanswered? You left them. You left me."
Le Wai's grip tightened on his sword. "You chose betrayal. Don't twist the truth into your excuse."
Kael's eyes blazed. "Betrayal? No… survival. I did what you couldn't. I lived."
He lunged forward, blackened steel clashing against Le Wai's radiant blade. The impact rang through the streets, sparks scattering like stars.
Le Wai pushed back, his voice low and fierce. "Living without honor is worse than death."
Kael snarled, twisting his blade in a vicious arc. The force shattered stone as Le Wai barely sidestepped, countering with a slash that grazed Kael's scarred armor.
The duel raged, each strike fueled not only by skill but by years of buried hatred.
Mei Lin fought the shadows at the edge of the battlefield, her eyes darting constantly to the two men. She could see it—the fight was more than steel and fire. It was a war of memories.
Kael's blade crackled with black fire, each strike heavier than the last. "You think you're strong now, Le Wai? You're still that weak boy, clinging to ideals that died with them!"
Le Wai's chest heaved, but his gaze sharpened. "No. I carry them with me. Their deaths… their hopes. That's why I fight!"
Their swords met in a blinding clash, energy surging outward, scattering shadows like leaves in a storm.
Kael staggered back, his face twisted with rage. "Then let's see if your resolve can stand against mine!"
From the flames around them, Kael drew power, his armor glowing with sinister energy. The ground trembled, cracks splitting beneath his feet.
Mei Lin's voice rang out. "Le Wai—be careful! He's drawing from something unnatural!"
Le Wai raised his sword, steady despite the storm. His voice was calm, resolute. "This ends tonight, Kael."
And with a roar, the duel between brothers-in-arms ignited once more, shaking the very heart of the burning city.