Chapter 53: Kaelthos 2
"Conquerors aren’t born from storms, Kaelthos," Zephyr said, his tone carrying calm against the chaos. "They’re forged by struggle, scar by scar, choice by choice. You’ll see the difference between power and purpose."
Kaelthos laughed, a sound like thunder rolling across endless plains. "Then come, little shadow. Come and break yourself upon the storm."
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The Storm Breaks
The Warlord struck first. A lightning spear, vast as a tower, tore through the clouds and stabbed toward Zephyr. The ground exploded in a fountain of molten stone, sending shards raining down like knives.
But Zephyr was already moving. His body flickered, shadows rising with him. He cut the bolt in half, his blade scattering it into harmless streams of light. The system chimed faintly in his vision:
Shadow Veil (Mastery Increased).
Kaelthos growled, swiping his claw through the storm. The very air became a weapon—winds sharpened to blades, slicing toward the party.
Lyra loosed three arrows, each trailing silver fire. They spun through the storm, splitting Kaelthos’ attack just enough for the group to advance. One arrow struck his shoulder, lodging deep and smoking as moonfire burned his flesh.
Kaelthos snarled. The storm thickened.
Darius roared and charged. His hammer, etched with sigils of flame, blazed as he swung it down on Kaelthos’ leg. The impact was a thunderclap of its own, cracking the Warlord’s knee and driving him back a step.
For the first time, the titan staggered.