Michael rolled near a tree as the dark flame struck. The tree exploded into black ash, vaporized to its roots in an instant. Not a spark, not a fragment, just ashes.
This is bad, really bad, Michael muttered, eyes narrowing.
Michael forced himself to stand straight, raising his hand.
The only way I can match him, I have to pour every ounce of mana in my heart into this fight.
But even as he thought that, reality hit him. If I had done this from the beginning, I might've been stronger, but now I'm battered. My sword, I don't even have it. I'll have to fight with my fists.
Ah!
He surged forward. His red aura flared violently, cracking the ground beneath him as he ran. The air shimmered and twisted with raw energy.
Kosan towered above him, twelve feet of muscle and dark flame, far larger and stronger than Michael. His massive form moved effortlessly, each step shaking the earth.
