Chapter 26: Verdant Deathwood: The Trial Begins
The sun dipped low over the Kilvish training grounds, casting long shadows as the clang of steel rang out once again. Kaal stood in the center of the dueling ring, breathing heavily, sweat trickling down his neck. Before him stood General Ruke, towering, muscular, his one arm gleaming with scarred resilience. The other sleeve of his military armor hung empty, a grim reminder of his punishment.
Kaal wiped his brow and picked up a new weapon, a massive greatsword. He lunged forward, swinging it with raw force, but the blade felt awkward in his grip. The balance was off. Next, he switched to a mace, its brutal weight too cumbersome. He tried a spear, but his movements lacked the fluidity needed for such reach.
Each clash with General Ruke ended the same. The veteran’s counterattacks were precise, unforgiving, and full of battlefield experience.
Frustrated, Kaal reached for a double-headed battle axe.
As he gripped the handle and swung, something clicked. His body moved differently, more fluid, more instinctive. The axe’s weight became easy to swing with force. Each swing carved the air with savage precision, and for the first time, General Ruke narrowed his eyes.
The ground trembled with their renewed clash. Sparks danced, and a rhythm formed a song of steel. With each swing, he can demonstrate the full potential of the Myriads of Thousand Demon Body. Slowly, he was able to block Spear of General Ruke, and with his Mind eye, he was able to dodge most of the strike.
Soon, he was able to see a gap in General Ruke’s defence from the missing left arm side. Without hesitation, he threw the axe toward General Ruke, noticing that General Ruke blocked with the tip of his spear. Noticing that General Ruke blocked, but that was a feint. This was a chance that Kaal was waiting he threw a punch with his left hand.
General Ruke was cornered because his arm was served not long ago; he was not able to adapt to fighting with one hand. Then General Ruke unleashed something unexpected.
With a sharp exhale, the general’s entire aura flared. A surge of invisible pressure burst outward. Kaal’s eyes widened as the invisible wave crashed into him, sending him skidding backwards like a ragdoll. Dust spiraled around him as he landed with a grunt.
Some dust got into Kaal’s mouth as he landed. He spat to the side, grimacing. ’What the hell was that?’ he asked, wiping his lips.
"What was that?" Kaal thought, panting.