Eclipse Requiem

The **air burned** between them. Kael's **black flames** clashed against Veydris's **holy aura**, sending sparks spiraling through the ruined chamber.

Neither of them moved.

They stood locked in place—two warriors poised for the next strike.

Kael's heart **thundered** in his chest. He could still feel the **lingering pain** from the Inquisitor's blows, but something else had taken over now. **Rage. Determination. A hunger for vengeance.**

Veydris studied him, his cold gaze sharp beneath his helmet. "Your power is growing unstable."

Kael **ignored him**, his grip tightening on the Abyssforged Blade.

Behind him, Lyra **groaned**, pushing herself up from the rubble. She clutched her ribs, wincing, but her golden eyes remained **sharp**. "Damn bastard hits like a warhammer," she muttered.

Kael took a step forward. "I don't care how strong you are, Veydris." His voice was **steady**, but the flames of his blade burned **brighter**. "I'm taking you down."

Veydris exhaled slowly. "Then try."

He **vanished.**

Kael's instincts **screamed**.

Veydris's sword was already coming down, aiming straight for his head.

Kael barely had time to **react**—

He **rolled to the side**, feeling the wind of the slash tear past him. The force **split the ground** where he had just stood.

He countered **immediately**.

Turning on his heel, he **swung the Abyssforged Blade**, aiming for Veydris's side.

The Inquisitor **blocked**, but the moment the swords clashed—

Kael saw it.

A flicker of **hesitation** in Veydris's stance.

Kael **pressed harder**, forcing his flames into the blade. The **dark fire surged**, roaring as it swallowed Veydris's silver light.

Veydris's feet **slid back** slightly.

Kael's **eyes widened**.

*"I pushed him back?"*

But before he could capitalize on it—

Veydris twisted his sword, breaking the deadlock. His knee **snapped forward**, aiming for Kael's ribs.

Kael blocked with his forearm, but the force still **sent him skidding back**. His muscles ached, his breath was ragged.

Veydris watched him, his silver blade glowing.

"You're stronger than before," he admitted. "But strength alone isn't enough to win a battle."

Kael wiped blood from his lip. "Then I guess I'll just have to get stronger."

Veydris frowned slightly, as if **annoyed**. "Foolish boy. Power without control is a curse."

Kael **smirked**. "Then I'll make this curse work for me."

The Abyssforged Blade **howled**, its black flames intensifying.

Kael could feel it. The sword was pulling him in, urging him **deeper into its power**.

For a moment, he hesitated.

But then—

The **Eclipse Seal** on his arm **flared**.

A searing pain shot through his veins.

Kael **staggered**, his vision blurring.

The world around him **darkened**, the light from the torches fading. His ears rang with whispers, their voices slithering into his mind.

*"Give in."*

*"Accept the darkness."*

*"Let it consume you."*

Kael **gasped**, trying to fight back the overwhelming force.

Then—

A **hand** touched his shoulder.

"Kael!"

The world snapped back into focus.

Lyra's face was inches from his, her golden eyes burning with **concern**. "Don't lose yourself."

Kael's breathing was ragged. He forced himself to **focus**.

Veydris, however, was **watching him carefully now**.

"So… the Seal has begun to awaken," the Inquisitor murmured. "Interesting."

Kael clenched his fist. The **pain had faded**, but the feeling of something lurking in his soul remained.

He wasn't sure what would happen if he **fully embraced** the Abyssforged Blade's power.

But one thing was clear.

Veydris wasn't underestimating him anymore.

And for the first time…

Kael had a real chance to **win.**

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