◇◇◇
Caelum wiped the blood from his mouth, his vision still spinning from Leonhardt's devastating punch. His body ached, but he forced himself to stand.
Leonhardt tilted his head. "Still moving? I'll admit, you're sturdier than Rael."
Caelum clenched his sword. "I won't fall like him."
Leonhardt smirked. "You will."
With a flicker of movement, Leonhardt vanished.
Caelum's eyes widened—too fast!
BAM!
A crushing impact struck his stomach. His body bent inwards as the sheer force lifted him off the ground.
Before he could recover, Leonhardt grabbed his face and slammed him into the ground.
BOOM!
The earth cracked beneath them. Dust and debris exploded into the air as soldiers watching the fight trembled.
Caelum coughed up blood. "Ghh—"
Leonhardt didn't stop. He lifted Caelum up and hurled him across the battlefield like a ragdoll.
CRASH!
The Hero's body skidded, breaking through ruined structures. His sword fell from his grip, his vision turning red from pain.
This power… it's beyond anything I imagined…
Caelum struggled to stand. His arms shook. His legs threatened to give out. But he gritted his teeth, forcing himself up.
I can't fall here.
Leonhardt approached slowly. "Still not giving up?"
Celestia, watching from the fortress walls, giggled. "Darling, you're being too gentle. He's still standing."
Leonhardt sighed. "True." He cracked his knuckles. "I should end this."
◇◇◇
Ironhorn stomped forward, its Mythical-Class aura flaring. Its horn glowed with deep crimson energy, brimming with raw power.
Aetheris circled in the sky, divine light forming around its wings.
Two titans. Two rulers.
They charged.
BOOOM!
The battlefield quaked.
Ironhorn's horn clashed against Aetheris' divine talons, sending shockwaves across the land. Their energies collided, distorting the air itself.
Aetheris tried to lift Ironhorn into the sky, its golden claws gripping the rhino's back.
But Ironhorn—did not budge.
Instead—
Ironhorn twisted its body and flung Aetheris into the ground.
CRACK!
Aetheris screeched, pain surging through its body.
Ironhorn roared, stepping forward, eyes gleaming with primal dominance.
The Celestial Griffin struggled to rise—only to freeze.
Ironhorn's horn was right in front of its face.
And then—
BOOOOM!!
A devastating impact sent Aetheris flying.
◇◇◇
Caelum watched in horror as Aetheris crashed into the ground, unmoving.
"No…"
Leonhardt smirked. "Your beast has fallen. And now… it's your turn."
Caelum grabbed his sword, shaking. His heart pounded. His breath was ragged.
But he refused to surrender.
"I will not… let you win."**
His sword ignited with divine flames. Holy energy surged around his body.
Leonhardt raised an eyebrow. "Hoh?"
Celestia giggled. "Ah~ Is he going for one last struggle? So cute~"
Leonhardt grinned. "Fine. Show me."
Caelum roared, charging forward with everything he had left.