Chapter 8:THE HELLFIRE
Ardyn stood frozen for a moment as he witnessed Darana's transformation. Her entire body radiated an unbearable heat, far surpassing normal flames. This wasn't just fire—it was Bloodflame, a legendary power feared throughout the ages. Even though he dodged her initial attack, the mere heat from her presence scorched his skin.
Ardyn clenched his fists. "Damn it... this isn't normal fire. This is worse than magma—it's like hellfire."
Darana smirked, her hands igniting in roaring flames. "You're cooked, Izzo."
Despite the overwhelming heat, Ardyn didn't back down. Something inside him stirred—a primal force within his Izzo bloodline. It granted him absolute fearlessness, no matter how terrifying the battle. His eyes burned with determination.
Darana extended her hands, forming a Silent Mirage, creating multiple clones of herself. The battlefield was now surrounded by identical burning figures, each radiating deadly heat.
Ardyn narrowed his eyes. "I don't have time for illusions." He charged forward, swinging wildly at the clones. Each strike shattered an illusion, yet the real Darana remained hidden.
Before he could react, the true Darana appeared behind him, slamming a fiery fist into his back. He was sent flying into the stone walls, coughing as pain shot through his body.
"You're strong," Ardyn admitted, standing up and wiping the blood from his lips. "But you're still not strong enough."
With that, he activated Vanishing Veil, shrouding the battlefield in thick, black smoke. Darana hesitated. "Tch. A cheap trick."
She turned, trying to find him, but Ardyn had already moved. Boom! A devastating kick from behind sent her stumbling forward. Darana growled, spinning around with a flaming fist. Ardyn ducked, retaliating with a sharp knee to her ribs.
They clashed fiercely—punches, knees, kicks, dodges. Neither was willing to back down.
Darana sidestepped a punch and slammed her foot into Ardyn's head. He staggered, dazed. "Damn… she's on another level," he thought. "Is this the power of Bloodflame?"
Lord Ezra, watching from above, smirked. "Let's see how he handles this."
With a flick of his wrist, a Bloodthorn Arrow appeared in his hand, dripping with venom. He aimed it directly at Ardyn. "This arrow is laced with poison. I wonder… will you die like your brother, or will you fight to survive?"
Ardyn's breath hitched. This was it. He had to make a choice—fall here or push beyond his limits.
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Meanwhile, on another side of the battlefield…
Zion and Vex were locked in a fierce sword battle, their blades clashing with deafening shhhk-shhhk sounds. Zion's attacks were relentless, but Vex countered each strike with expert precision.
Not far away, Kai fought Mob, their battle equally brutal.
Kai swung his Razor Chain, the metal links slicing through the air. Clang! The chains wrapped around Mob's arm, yanking him forward. With a wicked grin, Kai slammed him into the ground, the force cracking the stone beneath them.
Mob grunted in pain but wasn't done. Vanishing Veil! His body flickered and disappeared into thin air.
Kai narrowed his eyes. "Tch. Another one who hides."
Mob suddenly materialized behind him, aiming a dagger for Kai's skull. But Kai smirked. He had already anticipated the move. At the last second, he dodged and countered with a brutal kick, sending Mob flying across the battlefield.
"Your mistake," Kai muttered.
Mob groaned, attempting to get back up—but Steel was already there.
With a deadly punch, Steel's Magneto Dead Elbow connected with Mob's skull. A sickening CRACK echoed through the air.
Mob's body collapsed lifelessly.
Lord Ezra, still watching, chuckled. "Not bad. These kids might actually be worth something after all."