Chapter 234
He touches the wound, and as he does, he mimics the face and abilities of the Outcast, shrouding himself in shadows. But this mimicry is imperfect. The Seeker, though hidden, cannot fully grasp the essence of disgrace and anonymity. The true Outcast uses this moment to project Whispers of Scorn, filling the Seeker’s mind with haunting, disorienting voices.
The Seeker, momentarily disoriented, lashes out wildly, his Stolen Spotlight ability activating. He reaches for the Outcast, aiming to drain his strength. The Outcast dodges, but not entirely. The Seeker’s fingers brush his arm, and he feels a surge of power, but also the crushing weight of disgrace.
The Outcast, weakened but undeterred, retaliates with Aura of Disgrace, enveloping the Seeker in a miasma of shame and self-doubt. The Seeker’s confidence wavers, his flamboyant facade flickering. He fights to maintain his composure, but the Outcast presses the advantage, launching a barrage of Phantom Strikes.
Blood splatters the stage as the Seeker is driven back, his defenses crumbling. Desperation fuels him, and he calls upon Stage Control, creating multiple illusions of himself. The theater fills with a dozen Seekers, all identical, all laughing mockingly.
The Outcast narrows his eyes, focusing on the faint, almost imperceptible differences. He strikes at one illusion after another, each dissipating into mist. But the true Seeker is nowhere to be found. Suddenly, a figure lunges from behind, and the Seeker’s claws rake across the Outcast’s back, tearing flesh and drawing a pained cry.
Both combatants close in, their illusions and shadows falling away as they engage in brutal hand-to-hand combat. The Seeker’s flamboyant attire is torn and bloodied, but he moves with surprising agility, each punch and kick a blur of speed and precision. The Outcast, though cloaked in shadows, counters with swift and powerful strikes, his movements silent and deadly.
The Seeker lands a powerful blow to the Outcast’s jaw, sending him staggering back. He follows up with a series of rapid punches, each one aimed to cripple and dominate. The Outcast absorbs the hits, his blurred face twisting in pain, but he doesn’t fall. Instead, he ducks under the Seeker’s next swing, driving his knee into the Seeker’s ribs with a sickening crunch.
The Seeker gasps for breath, the wind knocked out of him. The Outcast presses his advantage, grabbing the Seeker by the throat and slamming him into the ground. Dust and debris fly up from the impact, and the Seeker’s head snaps back, dazed. But with a sudden burst of energy, the Seeker twists, breaking free and flipping the Outcast over his shoulder.
The Seeker leaps onto the Outcast, his hands wrapping around his opponent’s neck, squeezing with all his might. The Outcast claws at the Seeker’s hands, his vision blurring further as the air is cut off. In a final, desperate move, the Outcast summons the last of his strength and drives his thumbs into the Seeker’s eyes.