Ascension of the Mortal God

Chapter 32: Clash of Storm and Steel

Kael barely had time to brace himself.

Oric's warhammer crashed down, splitting the ground beneath him. Kael rolled to the side, narrowly avoiding the strike as arcs of lightning surged through the earth. The shockwave sent nearby rebels flying, their screams lost in the chaos of battle.

Kael sprang to his feet, his sword gleaming in the dim light of the gorge. Oric was fast—too fast for someone so massive.

"You're quick," Oric admitted, hefting his warhammer onto his shoulder. "But not quick enough."

Before Kael could react, Oric vanished in a blur of lightning—and reappeared behind him.

Too late.

The warhammer slammed into Kael's side, sending him flying into a jagged rock wall. Pain exploded through his ribs. He barely rolled away before another strike came, shattering the stone where he had just been.

Kael gasped for breath. One more direct hit, and he was dead.

---

The Battlefield in Chaos

The battle raged around them.

Darius battled three divine warriors at once, his warhammer crushing bones with every swing. Selene, perched on a ledge, loosed arrow after arrow, each finding its mark.

But the divine warriors were recovering. The initial ambush had devastated them, but now they were regrouping, their discipline and divine strength making them deadly once more.

Varian appeared behind a divine soldier, his daggers flashing. A moment later, the warrior fell, lifeless.

"Kael!" he shouted. "We need to finish this—fast!"

Kael wiped blood from his mouth. Oric was the key. If he fell, the rest would break.

But how do you kill a storm?

---

Finding an Opening

Oric grinned. "I expected more from the so-called leader of the rebellion."

Kael forced himself to focus. His sword wouldn't overpower Oric's warhammer. He couldn't match his strength.

But he didn't need to.

He needed to be faster.

Oric charged again, lightning crackling around his body. His warhammer swung like a thunderclap, aiming to end the fight.

But this time, Kael anticipated the attack.

He dodged at the last second—

—and slashed Oric's leg.

The divine champion stumbled, caught off guard.

Kael pressed the advantage. He ducked beneath another swing, stepping inside Oric's reach. His blade flashed—cutting across Oric's side.

For the first time, Oric grunted in pain.

Kael smirked. "Not so untouchable after all."

Oric's eyes burned with fury.

"You'll regret that," he snarled.

---

The True Power of the Thunderborn

The air grew heavy, crackling with power. Oric's body began to glow, lightning surging around him like a raging storm.

Kael stepped back, gripping his sword tightly.

Oric raised his warhammer to the sky.

Thunder boomed, and a massive bolt of lightning descended from the heavens—straight into Oric's weapon.

The divine warrior became a living storm. His armor shone with divine radiance, his movements now faster than before.

Kael's heart pounded.

Oric pointed his warhammer at Kael.

"This is your end, mortal."

Then, he struck.

To be continued…