Kazaf: The upside down

The night sky over the Elara Sect was ablaze with the glow of fire and steel. The long-awaited battle had finally begun. The air was thick with the scent of blood and burning wood as Jalwa's enforcers stormed through the sect's grand gates, their dark robes billowing like shadows of death.

Kazaf stood at the front lines, his body tense yet unwavering. Beside him were Dulla, Rahim, Samir, and Harun, each gripping their weapons with steely determination. Asma stood a few paces behind, her eyes scanning the battlefield with a mix of fear and resolve. She had chosen to fight—not for the sect, not for duty, but for Kazaf.

The first wave of Jalwa's men crashed against them like a black tide. Kazaf moved like lightning, his blade slicing through the air, cutting down enemy cultivators with swift, brutal efficiency. Rahim and Samir fought back-to-back, their strikes synchronized as they carved a path through the battlefield. Harun's spear danced through the chaos, impaling enemies with precise, deadly thrusts.

Dulla, a warrior with sheer brute force, smashed through the enemy ranks, his mighty fists breaking bones and sending Jalwa's enforcers flying. "Come on! Is this all you've got?!" he roared, his voice echoing over the battlefield.

But Kazaf knew this was only the beginning.

Suddenly, a chilling laughter cut through the noise. From the ranks of Jalwa's forces emerged a man cloaked in dark armor, his eyes burning with crimson energy.

"So, you're Kazaf."

Kazaf narrowed his eyes. He had heard of this man—Zafir, Jalwa's best enforcer, known for his ruthlessness and nearly unmatched skill in combat. Zafir's reputation was drenched in blood, having crushed countless sects in Jalwa's name.

"You have potential," Zafir said, tilting his head, "but you're just a halfbreed. You think you can stand against me?"

Kazaf wiped the blood off his blade, his lips curling into a smirk. "I don't think—I know."

With a flick of his wrist, Zafir vanished—and in the next instant, he was upon Kazaf, his blade descending like a bolt of lightning. Kazaf barely managed to block, the force of the strike sending him skidding backward. His arms trembled from the impact.

Zafir was fast.

Kazaf lunged forward, his sword clashing against Zafir's in a flurry of sparks. Each strike was met with an equally powerful counter. The ground beneath them cracked from the force of their battle. Zafir was stronger than any opponent Kazaf had faced before.

The two warriors exchanged blow after blow, their battle raging across the battlefield. Kazaf gritted his teeth as Zafir's blade cut into his shoulder, but he refused to falter. He countered with a brutal kick to Zafir's ribs, sending the enforcer staggering back.

Blood dripped from Kazaf's wounds, but he pushed forward, refusing to yield.

Dulla, Rahim, Samir, and Harun fought furiously, holding back the rest of Jalwa's forces. Asma, using her cultivation techniques, unleashed blinding arcs of energy, cutting down enemies who dared approach Kazaf's battle.

But Zafir was relentless. He struck with deadly precision, his attacks forcing Kazaf on the defensive. A deep gash appeared on Kazaf's side, but he refused to let the pain slow him down.

Zafir smirked. "You're good, but not good enough."

Kazaf wiped the blood from his lips. "We'll see about that."** His eyes flashed with determination as he channeled his inner energy. His aura surged, crackling with untamed power.

He charged at Zafir, his sword infused with a blinding white glow. Zafir blocked, but Kazaf's strike shattered his defense, sending him crashing into the ground.

Kazaf didn't hesitate. With a final, devastating blow, he drove his blade through Zafir's chest.

Zafir gasped, blood spilling from his lips. Disbelief filled his eyes as he collapsed, his body hitting the ground with a dull thud.

The battlefield fell silent.

Jalwa's remaining enforcers, seeing their strongest warrior fall, began to retreat.

Kazaf stood victorious, but his body was covered in wounds. His vision blurred, and his legs felt weak. He had won—but at a cost.

Before he could collapse, Asma was at his side, her arms catching him. "Kazaf! Stay with me!" Her voice trembled with worry.

He chuckled weakly, looking up at her. "Told you… I'd win."

And then, everything went black.

To be continued...