The air crackled with unstable divine energy. Shattered fragments of light and darkness twisted through the battlefield, distorting the ground beneath their feet. The five remaining competitors stood within the broken realm—a wasteland of jagged rocks, black mist, and shifting currents of power that could tear through flesh and bone with a single misstep.
Raizel stood at the edge of the battlefield, hands in his pockets. His crimson eyes shimmered faintly beneath the dim glow of the fractured sky. His expression was calm—almost bored.
Directly across from him stood Orion, golden energy burning in his hands, his chest heaving with ragged breaths. His fists were clenched so tightly his knuckles had gone white.
To Orion's left, Zephyros floated in the air, arms crossed, wind swirling around his body. His silver hair whipped violently in the storm's currents. Beside him stood Ignis, flames licking at his fingertips, his golden eyes narrowed in focused rage.
And finally, Dante stood slightly behind Orion—his expression hesitant but determined. His eyes flicked nervously toward Raizel, but he raised his fists regardless.
From above, the gods watched in silence from their elevated gallery.
Among them sat Orion's father—a tall figure with cold silver eyes and golden hair, dressed in a regal white cloak trimmed with gold. He sat perfectly still, his gaze sharp and empty. His expression never shifted—not even when Orion had survived this far.
"That's your son, isn't it?" a god seated beside him asked.
Orion's father's eyes didn't move. "He's not done enough."
"Final Phase – Commence."
The divine voice echoed across the battlefield, and the storm surged to life.
Zephyros struck first.
Wind blades tore through the air, slicing toward Raizel with surgical precision. Raizel didn't flinch—his eyes flicked toward the incoming attack, and with a subtle flick of his wrist, the blades shattered in midair.
Zephyros smiled thinly. "Tch. Easy."
Ignis followed immediately. A wave of golden fire exploded across the battlefield, rushing toward Raizel in a blinding wall of heat. The very air ignited.
Raizel stepped forward. The flames curved unnaturally as they reached him—twisting and curling toward his outstretched hand. He grasped the fire with his bare palm. The flames hissed and screamed as he crushed them into nothingness.
"I was expecting more," Raizel said softly.
Ignis' face twisted. "Bastard!"
🔥 They attacked at once.
Zephyros and Ignis surrounded Raizel in a blur of divine energy and elemental chaos.
Ignis launched a flaming spear—Raizel leaned to the side, the weapon missing his head by inches.
Zephyros lashed out with a concentrated burst of wind—Raizel raised his hand and caught it midair. The wind howled and fractured in his grip.
Ignis roared, charging directly at him with his fists coated in flames.
Raizel smiled.
In one swift motion, Raizel stepped behind Ignis and struck him in the ribs. Bones cracked. Ignis coughed blood as he collapsed to his knees.
Raizel's eyes gleamed coldly as he lifted his hand—black tendrils of shadow formed at his fingertips.
"Sit down," Raizel whispered.
A pulse of dark energy struck Ignis directly in the chest. The ground shattered beneath him as he was launched backward and collapsed into the dirt.
Ignis – Eliminated.
Zephyros cursed. He unleashed a cyclone of cutting wind—blades so fast they blurred the air.
Raizel vanished.
Zephyros' eyes widened—
—Raizel appeared directly behind him.
"You're too slow."
Raizel grabbed Zephyros by the throat. Zephyros choked as dark tendrils wrapped around his body.
"Now sleep."
Raizel slammed him into the ground with such force that a crater formed beneath him. Zephyros' body twitched once—then went still.
Zephyros – Eliminated.
Dante swallowed hard. He took a shaky breath and stepped forward.
"I know I can't win," he said, voice shaking. "But I'll still fight."
Raizel's smile softened. "Then show me."
Dante charged. He threw a punch—Raizel let him hit him. It barely moved Raizel's head.
Raizel's hand closed around Dante's arm. Gently.
"You've improved," Raizel said.
And with a simple touch to the back of Dante's neck, he knocked him unconscious.
Raizel caught Dante before he hit the ground and lowered him carefully.
Dante – Eliminated.
It was down to two.
Raizel stood across from Orion. The storm screamed around them. Orion's golden eyes blazed with desperation and fear. His fists were shaking.
Orion's father watched, cold and expressionless.
Orion's breathing quickened. "I have to win this."
Raizel's eyes narrowed. "Why?"
Orion's hands trembled.
"I have to… because if I don't—he'll never see me."
Raizel's gaze sharpened.
"You're not fighting for yourself," he said softly. "You're fighting for him."
Orion's eyes filled with tears. "He's never proud of me."
In Raizel's mind, Fenrir's deep growl rumbled through the storm.
"You could end him with one strike."
Raizel closed his eyes. "That's why I won't."
Fenrir's growl deepened. "You're growing soft."
Raizel whispered, "Maybe."
Orion charged. His golden aura exploded outward as he screamed.
Raizel let him hit him.
Raizel's head snapped back from the blow. Blood trickled down his mouth.
Orion's hand trembled.
Raizel smiled faintly. "Finish it."
Orion hesitated—but then released a final surge of energy.
Raizel allowed the strike to land. The ground exploded beneath them.
Raizel collapsed to his knees. His vision blurred.
Orion stood over him, shaking.
Match Over.
Orion's father narrowed his eyes. His face didn't change—but he gave the smallest nod.
The gods murmured in disbelief.
"Orion actually defeated Raizel?"
Later that night, Orion approached Raizel beneath a dark tree.
Orion's hands were shaking. His eyes were red.
"You let me win," Orion whispered.
Raizel opened one eye, smirking. "What gave it away?"
"Why?"
Raizel sighed. "Because you needed it more than I did."
Orion's eyes filled with tears. "I hit you. I screamed at you."
Raizel's hand rested on Orion's shoulder. "You needed to let it out."
"My father—he… he finally looked at me."
Raizel's smile faded. "Forget him."
Orion's head dropped. He clenched his fists. "Why did you help me?"
Raizel's expression darkened. "Because I know what it's like to fight for nothing."
Orion lowered his head and whispered, "Thank you."
Fenrir sat beside Raizel, resting his scarred head against Raizel's leg. His crimson eyes gleamed. He gave a low approving growl.
Raizel's eyes darkened. His gaze lifted toward the night sky.
Lucien's voice drifted from the shadows.
"What happens when he finds out?"
Raizel's eyes sharpened.
"Let him come."
Chapter End.