Chapter 20: Memory 8 / 8
Matiane lunged forward, his crimson blade slashing down at Cadogan, who met it with his icy sword. Sparks and frost burst from the collision as their powers clashed.
Matiane shifted instantly, his Neba glowing green. "Green Neba Core: Venomous Fang," he hissed, slashing the air and releasing a cloud of toxic green mist.
Cadogan leapt back, his eyes narrowing. He switched his Neba to orange, his body glowing with fierce heat.
"Wild Beaver," he growled, slamming his foot into the ground and sending a shower of molten earth toward Matiane.
Matiane laughed, twisting in midair. His Neba shifted again, also glowing orange. "Lion's breath," he said, his voice booming as the air around him grew unbearably hot. The intense heat warped the ground, and Cadogan's icy blade began to melt, water dripping from its edge before it collapsed entirely into a pool.
Cadogan gritted his teeth, dropping the hilt of his weapon. Matiane surged forward, grinning wickedly. "No blade? Come Cadogan!"
Cadogan smirked as his Neba turned green, "cheetah steps" his movements suddenly as quick and precise as a serpent. He ducked under Matiane's punch and delivered a swift jab to his side. Matiane countered with a fiery uppercut, the heat singeing Cadogan's icy cloak but not breaking his stride.
They clashed again, fists and feet striking with brutal force. Matiane spun low, aiming a sweeping kick at Cadogan's legs, but Cadogan flipped over him, slamming an elbow into Matiane's back. Matiane recovered instantly, spinning and delivering a backhand blow to Cadogan's jaw.
Both stepped back, breathing heavily, their eyes locked. Their Nebas flickered as they prepared for the next round, equally matched and relentless.
The Red Devil's strikes were relentless, his Neba burning brighter with each blow. Cadogan dodged narrowly, forming shards of ice to deflect Matiane's blade as their movements blurred with speed.
But then, Matiane's demeanor shifted. His lips moved, murmuring words Cadogan couldn't hear clearly. "The whispers," Matiane muttered to himself, his red eyes glowing faintly. "God of war, Lord Atreus, hear me. Grant me your strength. Guide my blade to victory."