Chapter 34: Clash Amidst the Shadows
The beasts of shadow howled as they crawled from the cracked earth, their glowing eyes piercing through the smoke.
But Kael's blade didn't falter. He kept his weapon raised, his gaze locked only on Le Wai.
"Don't think this changes anything," Kael growled. "I'll cut you down before I deal with him."
Le Wai's chest tightened, torn between fury and pity. "You're blind, Kael! Can't you see he's using you?"
Kael roared, lunging forward. "I need no master!"
Their blades collided once more, sparks scattering against the darkness. The shadow beasts circled them like vultures, but neither warrior spared them a glance. Their world was narrowed to the clash of steel and the burning weight of the past.
From the edge of the battlefield, Mei Lin fought desperately against the encroaching beasts. Her voice rang out through the chaos. "Le Wai! If you keep fighting him, you'll both be devoured!"
But Le Wai's voice was steady, resolute, as he pushed Kael back. "Then I'll fight them all."
The mastermind watched, his shadowed face twisted with cruel amusement. "Glorious. Even as the world crumbles, you cling to your pride."
Kael swung with savage fury, his blade crackling with black fire. Le Wai caught the strike, their swords locked once again. This time, Le Wai's eyes burned—not with hatred, but with unyielding resolve.
"You lost yourself to the past, Kael. But I…" His blade shone brighter, forcing Kael back step by step. "I'll carve a future from it!"
With a surge of strength, Le Wai unleashed a sweeping strike, sending Kael crashing against the rubble. The shockwave tore through several shadow beasts, scattering them into smoke.
Kael staggered to his feet, blood dripping down his cheek, his eyes wide with disbelief.
Mei Lin shouted, "Le Wai—behind you!"
A towering beast lunged, its maw filled with fire. Without hesitation, Le Wai spun, cleaving the creature in half with a single strike before returning his gaze to Kael.
The display left even the mastermind silent for a heartbeat.
Kael's lips trembled between rage and awe. "You… you're stronger than before."
Le Wai raised his blade, its light cutting through the suffocating dark. "Stronger because I fight for more than myself."
The battlefield roared around them—monsters shrieking, shadows writhing, the mastermind laughing—but in that moment, only one truth mattered.
The duel was far from over.