Ascension of the Mortal God

Chapter 22: Duel for Dominion

The air around Raventhorn Keep grew tense as Kael faced the bandit leader. Warriors from both sides gathered, forming a wide circle around them. The bandit leader, a mountain of a man with thick arms and a scarred face, rolled his shoulders, loosening his grip on the massive cleaver he wielded.

"You think one victory over some warden means you can walk in here and take what's mine?" the bandit leader sneered. "You don't look like much to me."

Kael remained silent, his grip firm on his sword. He didn't need words—only action.

The bandit leader lunged first, his cleaver slicing through the air with brutal force. Kael dodged to the side, narrowly avoiding the strike as the blade carved a deep groove into the stone ground. The bandit's strength was monstrous, but his movements were wild, relying on raw power rather than skill.

Kael capitalized on this. Stepping in close, he slashed at the bandit's exposed side. His blade cut through armor and flesh, drawing first blood. The bandit growled in pain but did not falter.

"Not bad," the bandit grunted, wiping the blood from his wound. "But you'll need more than that to put me down."

He swung again, this time faster. Kael parried, his arms shaking from the impact. The force behind each attack was overwhelming—one direct hit could end the fight instantly.

But Kael had fought stronger foes. He had survived against Selene. He would not fall here.

Sidestepping another powerful strike, Kael struck again, this time targeting the bandit's knee. The man stumbled, his balance momentarily broken. Kael did not hesitate.

He surged forward, driving his blade into the bandit's shoulder. The bandit roared in agony, dropping his cleaver as he fell to one knee. Kael kicked him onto his back, pressing his sword to the man's throat.

Silence fell over the battlefield.

The bandits watched, waiting for the final blow.

Kael did not strike. Instead, he met the leader's gaze. "Yield."

The bandit panted, blood trickling from his wounds. He studied Kael for a long moment before exhaling sharply. Then, with a nod, he spoke:

"The keep is yours."

A murmur spread through the bandits. Some looked ready to fight, but most knew the outcome was decided. Their leader had fallen.

Kael stepped back, allowing the man to rise. "Your men are strong. I do not want them as enemies. Fight alongside me, and you will have more than scraps. You will have purpose."

The bandit chuckled, despite his injuries. "You fight like a demon, yet you offer mercy. Fine. You have my blade, and my men will follow."

Darius grinned. "Looks like we just got ourselves a fortress."

Varian smirked from the shadows. "A bold move, Kael. But the gods will not ignore this. You've declared war today, whether you realize it or not."

Kael turned toward the keep, its towering walls now under his command. The battle had been won, but the true war had only begun.

To be continued—