The atmosphere in the chamber shifted the moment Aldric stepped forward. The golden artifact bathed the room in its soft glow, illuminating the dark smirk on his face. His crimson eyes locked onto Ethan's with pure malice, his hands flexing as if eager to crush him.
"You've been a thorn in my side for too long, Ethan," Aldric sneered. "It's time I plucked you out for good."
Ethan cracked his knuckles, his gaze unwavering. "You talk too much. If you want to kill me, then stop running your mouth and try."
Seraphina, Serene, and Selene stepped forward, magic crackling in their hands, but Ethan raised a hand, stopping them. "This is my fight."
Aldric's smirk widened. "Cocky as ever."
With a single motion, Aldric vanished. Ethan barely had time to react before a fist smashed into his gut, sending him flying into the dungeon wall. The impact cracked the stone, dust and debris falling around him. Aldric was fast—faster than before.
Iron Stride (Now Phantom Step): Activated.
Ethan recovered mid-air, twisting his body and landing lightly on his feet. His gaze sharpened. This wasn't the same Aldric he had fought before.
The vice president of the Academy had grown stronger. Far stronger.
Aldric's body glowed with a dark aura, his mana crackling around him like black lightning. His expression twisted with hatred as he glared at Ethan. "You think you're special? Just because you caught Sylvia's attention? She belongs to me!"
Ethan scoffed, rolling his shoulders. "She's not an object, idiot."
Aldric roared, dashing forward at insane speeds. Ethan barely dodged the next punch, but the sheer force of Aldric's movement shattered the ground beneath him. This guy wasn't just fast—he was relentless.
Ethan activated Phantom Step, his form flickering in and out of visibility as he sidestepped Aldric's next attack. He countered with a powerful punch aimed at Aldric's ribs, but Aldric twisted mid-motion, catching Ethan's wrist and hurling him across the chamber.
Ethan's body slammed into the stone floor, rolling before he sprang back up, blood trickling from his lips. Aldric's strength was monstrous.
"Is that all you've got?" Aldric taunted. "I expected more from the so-called 'F-Rank who defies fate.'"
Ethan wiped the blood from his mouth, a smirk tugging at his lips. "You haven't even seen me try yet."
He shot forward, his body a blur. Aldric met him head-on, fists colliding in a shockwave that sent cracks running along the dungeon walls. The force of their blows caused wind pressure so strong that Seraphina, Selene, and Serene had to shield themselves from the sheer intensity of the battle.
Titan's Ascent: 75%
Unyielding Will: Fully Mastered
Crimson Resolve: 55%
Ethan's muscles screamed in protest as he exchanged blow after blow with Aldric. Every hit was like colliding with a mountain. But Ethan didn't back down. He gritted his teeth, pushing past the pain, using his enhanced Iron Stride (Phantom Step) to weave between Aldric's attacks and counter at every opening.
The dungeon trembled under their battle, the air thick with raw energy. Aldric's attacks grew more erratic, his frustration evident as Ethan dodged faster and struck harder.
Then, Aldric's mana exploded outward.
A dark domain spread around them, cutting off Ethan from his surroundings. The air grew heavy, oppressive. Aldric's voice echoed in the void.
"Welcome to my domain, Ethan."
Ethan narrowed his eyes. This fight had just begun.
To be continued…