Ascension of the Mortal God

Chapter 17: Blood and Steel

Kael barely had time to catch his breath before his next opponent lunged. The second warrior, a lean fighter clad in dark leather, wielded twin curved blades that glinted under the firelight. Unlike the brute before him, this one was fast—dangerously fast.

Kael barely dodged the first strike, feeling the air part as the twin blades sliced past his face. He backstepped, but his opponent pressed forward, his movements like a whirlwind of steel.

"He's faster than me."

Kael had relied on speed to defeat the first opponent, but this one would not fall to the same tactic. He needed a different approach.

The warrior smirked, slashing again in a flurry of strikes. Kael barely managed to parry, each impact rattling his arms. He gritted his teeth, stepping back once more. If he stayed on the defensive, he would lose.

His opponent saw the hesitation and lunged forward, aiming for Kael's throat.

"Now!"

Kael shifted his stance at the last second, twisting his body to avoid the fatal strike. Instead of retreating, he stepped into the attack, slamming his shoulder into the warrior's chest. The sudden impact threw his opponent off balance, just enough for Kael to strike.

With a swift movement, Kael brought his sword up, slicing across the warrior's exposed side. A gasp of pain escaped his opponent's lips as blood sprayed onto the dirt.

But the warrior didn't fall.

Gritting his teeth, he staggered back, fury burning in his eyes. "Not bad… but I'm not done yet!"

Kael exhaled sharply. His body ached, his stamina dwindling. He couldn't afford to drag this fight out.

The warrior charged again, his twin blades a blur. Kael focused, watching the rhythm of his attacks.

There—an opening.

As the warrior swung down with both blades, Kael pivoted to the side, dodging the attack entirely. With one precise strike, he slashed across the warrior's back. His opponent froze, eyes wide in shock, before collapsing to his knees.

The crowd murmured in approval. Two opponents down.

Darius crossed his arms, nodding. "You're holding up better than I expected."

Kael wiped the sweat from his brow, breathing heavily. His arms ached, and his wounds from the battle with Selene burned with renewed pain. But he had no time to rest.

The third warrior stepped forward—a woman with a spear and piercing eyes filled with lethal intent.

"You're tough," she admitted, twirling her spear, "but let's see how you handle someone who keeps you at a distance."

Kael gritted his teeth, tightening his grip. The fight wasn't over.

It was only getting harder.

To be continued-