◇◇◇
Aetheris flapped its massive wings, golden light radiating from its body. The Celestial Griffin let out a deafening screech as it dove straight at Ironhorn, talons glowing with divine energy.
Ironhorn, unshaken, lowered its massive horn and charged forward. The ground trembled beneath its steps, its Mythical-Class aura distorting the air.
BOOM!!
The moment their bodies clashed, a massive shockwave tore through the battlefield. Soldiers were sent flying, the very earth splitting from the sheer impact.
Leonhardt observed with a smirk. "Your beast lacks killing intent, Hero."
Caelum ignored him, his eyes locked on the battlefield. His hand clenched into a fist.
"Aetheris! Purge the darkness!"
The Celestial Griffin spread its wings, releasing a burst of holy energy. The golden light burned across the battlefield, searing through Valtara's forces.
"GRAAAAHH!!"
Ironhorn roared as its skin sizzled under the divine attack. The Mythical Rhino stomped the ground, cracking the terrain beneath it.
Celestia frowned. "That annoying light again."
Leonhardt remained unbothered. "It won't be enough."
◇◇◇
Caelum shot forward, his sword shimmering with divine flames. He swung downward, aiming straight for Leonhardt's neck.
CLANG!!
Leonhardt parried effortlessly. "Too slow."
In one swift motion, he spun and drove his knee into Caelum's gut. The Hero choked, his body lifted off the ground from the impact.
But instead of retreating—
Caelum gritted his teeth and slashed upward, aiming to carve through Leonhardt's chest.
Leonhardt leaned back, dodging by a hair's breadth.
Caelum smirked. "Got you."
Suddenly, golden chains erupted from the ground, wrapping around Leonhardt's limbs.
Celestia's eyes widened. "Holy Shackles?!"
Caelum landed, raising his sword. "This is the difference between you and Rael."
The golden chains tightened, sealing Leonhardt's movement.
Caelum's sword glowed brighter. "Divine Execution—"
"Hah."
The Hero's blood ran cold.
The air around him grew heavy.
Leonhardt grinned.
And then—
CRACK!!
The golden chains shattered like fragile glass.
"What…?" Caelum's eyes widened in shock.
Leonhardt cracked his neck. "Did you really think that would hold me?"
Caelum barely had time to react before—
A fist crashed into his face.
BAM!!
Caelum's body shot backward, skidding across the battlefield. Blood splattered from his mouth, his vision blurring.
Leonhardt slowly walked toward him. "You're not a bad fighter, Hero. But you're still beneath me."
Caelum gritted his teeth. No… I refuse to lose here…!
He pushed himself up—only to freeze.
Leonhardt's crimson aura flared around him, twisting the air itself.
For the first time since the battle began—
Caelum felt fear.