The chamber quaked under the weight of their presence. Gabriel stood, eyes glowing faint emerald, muscles coiled like springs ready to strike. The curse no longer tormented him—it fueled him, each phantom pain converted into energy, sharpened and precise.
Across from him, Cain hovered, golden aura crackling, each movement measured, lethal. "…You've adapted faster than I anticipated," he said, voice calm yet edged with menace.
Gabriel's reply was a low, steady murmur. "…I'm only beginning."
Without warning, Cain lunged, energy slicing the air like liquid metal. Gabriel anticipated, moving mid-strike, his own aura forming a blade of condensed force. Their collision sent shockwaves through the chamber, cracking stone and blasting dust into the air.
Gabriel's system analyzed Cain's every movement, predicting his next strikes even before they happened. He converted the phantom pain into kinetic power, each counterattack amplified. Cain blocked but felt the difference—Gabriel was no longer just enduring; he was dominating.
The next strike hit Gabriel's torso, sending him skidding back, yet he stabilized mid-air, energy spiraling outward in a protective lattice. "…New threshold reached," he murmured, eyes narrowing.
Gabriel struck first this time, a precise series of blows that combined brute strength with redirected energy from Cain's own attacks. Cain staggered slightly, surprised by the efficiency and power of Gabriel's counters.
Alex watched from the shadows, golden eyes gleaming. "Finally… this is the evolution I wanted to see," he said softly, excitement clear in his voice.
The two clashed again, a tornado of energy arcs and shockwaves spiraling outward. Each strike sent stone and dust flying. Gabriel pressed relentlessly, converting Cain's offensive force into his own devastating counterattacks. Every movement was precise, calculated, and brutally efficient.
Cain smirked faintly. "…You're no longer just a conduit. You're controlling the battle," he said, acknowledgment flickering in his golden eyes.
Gabriel's aura flared brighter. "…And I will prove it," he replied, energy coiling around his fists, legs, and core.
Another exchange began—faster, sharper, deadlier than before. The cavern walls cracked, and the air itself screamed under the pressure. Gabriel adapted mid-strike, redirecting Cain's energy and returning it amplified, a lethal feedback loop of power and pain.
Cain struck heavy again, hitting Gabriel's shoulder with immense force. The phantom pain screamed, but Gabriel absorbed it instantly, converting it into an explosive counterwave that sent Cain skidding back, aura flickering under the impact.
"…D-Rank Peak is only the beginning," Cain said, voice low, eyes narrowing in respect.
"…And S-Rank potential starts now," Gabriel replied, emerald energy blazing, ready for the next clash.
Both readied themselves. Every movement, every strike, every thought calculated. The air vibrated with tension, the battle escalating into a storm of energy that could shatter mountains.
Author's Thoughts:
Gabriel is finally controlling his curse as a weapon.
Cain is still a perfect counter—lethal, sharp, and calculating.
Alex is sitting back, thoroughly entertained by the spectacle.
Meanwhile… I still don't have power stones.
If I don't get them, my exams will crush me harder than Gabriel crushes D-Rank enemies.
Next chapter: escalation. Full S-Rank potential unlocked. The real battle begins.