Chapter 9: The Turning Point
Zion clashed swords with Vex, both fighters locked in a brutal exchange. Steel and Kai stood back, watching as the two warriors pushed each other to their limits. Suddenly, Vex landed a devastating punch to Zion's ribs, sending him crashing to the ground. His body lay motionless.
Vex smirked and stepped closer. Did I kill him?
But just as he leaned in—Boom!
A crushing punch slammed into Vex's head. Zion had played dead, waiting for the perfect moment. He grinned. "Gotcha."
Vex stumbled back, dazed. Zion wiped blood from his mouth and got to his feet. His rage ignited. He gripped his sword tightly, his muscles tense with fury. Without hesitation, he charged.
Blade met air as Vex dodged again and again, his agility unmatched. But Zion wasn't done. He feinted an overhead slash—only to grab Vex's head and slam him into the ground. The impact cracked the earth beneath them.
Vex groaned in pain, but Zion wasn't finished. He rained down blows—punches, knees, slashes—his attacks relentless. Blood sprayed as he drove his sword into Vex's shoulder. A guttural scream tore from Vex's throat.
Zion raised his blade for the final strike.
But then, he hesitated.
"Come with us, Vex." His voice softened. "You don't have to fight anymore. I forgive you."
Vex, breathing heavily, stared at Zion in shock. No one had ever treated him with kindness. Not his family. Not his allies. He was always the outcast, the weak one, the expendable piece. But now, someone was offering him a place.
His chest tightened. Is this what I wanted all along?
"…Forgive me," Vex whispered, lowering his head.
Kai smirked. "Don't worry, Vex. You're one of us now."
Steel crossed his arms. "Anyone who tries to touch Vex will have to go through me."
For the first time in his life, Vex felt something unfamiliar—belonging.
---
Meanwhile, Ardyn was on the verge of collapse. The poison coursing through his veins was slowly eating away at his strength. His breath was ragged. His vision blurred. He clenched his fists, trying to steady himself.
Darana stood before him, flames swirling around her body. Her power had reached an unimaginable level. The sheer heat radiating from her made the air shimmer. The ground beneath her feet was charred. She was no longer just an opponent—she was a force of destruction.
Ardyn's heart pounded. His skin burned just from being near her.
"You're finished, Izzo." Darana's voice was laced with venom. "You'll die like your brother."
Ardyn gritted his teeth. He had two choices—succumb to fate or defy it.
His Izzo bloodline awakened. The fire in his heart roared louder than the flames around him. His fear melted away, replaced by absolute resolve.
Darana moved first, unleashing Silent Mirage—a technique that created illusory clones. Within seconds, Ardyn was surrounded by identical copies of her.
He acted on instinct, destroying each clone with precise punches and slashes. But the real Darana was already behind him.
Boom!
A devastating punch sent him flying into the wall. His body cracked against the stone. Blood dripped from his lips. He struggled to rise, but Darana was already charging at him.
Ardyn vanished in a cloud of smoke. Vanishing Veil.
Darana's eyes darted around, searching. "Coward—"
Boom!
A brutal kick slammed into her back. She staggered forward. But she quickly recovered, turning with a phantom dash. Their fists collided midair, shockwaves ripping through the battlefield.
Punch.
Kick.
Dodge.
Strike.
They moved like two storms colliding—relentless, unstoppable.
Darana ducked under a punch and drove her fist into Ardyn's stomach. He coughed up blood but retaliated with a crushing elbow to her ribs. They fought like warriors possessed.
But Darana had one last move.
She stepped back, raised her arms, and summoned a Hell Ball—a massive sphere of pure fire. It burned hotter than anything Ardyn had ever seen.
"This is your end."
Ardyn, weakened and poisoned, could barely stand.
Kai stepped forward. "I'll handle her—"
But Steel held him back. "No."
Kai frowned. "He's dying!"
Steel's eyes remained locked on Ardyn. "Let him cook."
Ardyn exhaled. This was it. His final stand.
He clenched his fists. His Izzo bloodline flared to life. His eyes burned with an unquenchable fire.
And as Darana launched the Hell Ball straight at him—
He charged forward.