Chapter 69: Skyborne Clash
Alarcus stood amidst the remnants of the testing grounds, his expression resolute. With a commanding voice, he ordered Zetsuei to assume its second form.
The forest trembled as Alarcus, using flight magic, soared above the treetops. He directed Zetsuei, now in its second form, to gain altitude and prepare for the next strike. Zetsuei's blue-and-silver serpentine body glimmered under the moonlight, its glowing blue energy veins radiating a fierce light. Its sharp, blade-like appendages cut through the air with incredible speed, making it a formidable foe.
Kael followed closely, initially leaping from treetop to treetop with incredible agility. As the Grand Fist pulsed with power in its second form, a gold-colored propeller extended from his back with one blade. The blade whirled to life, glowing faintly as it spun rapidly, lifting Kael into the air. He ascended with ease, the golden light from the propeller contrasting beautifully with Zetsuei's blue aura. He launched himself into the air, meeting Zetsuei head-on in a spectacular midair clash.
Each clash between Kael's strikes and Zetsuei's blades sent shockwaves rippling across the skies. The force of their battle caused trees to snap like twigs, and stray energy beams scorched the forest below, leaving behind smoldering craters. Animals fled in terror, and the chaos was visible for miles around.
"Are those... gods fighting?" one villager whispered, clutching a wooden charm for protection.
"No," replied an older man, his voice trembling. "That's power we can't comprehend."
Meanwhile, adventurers gathered at the forest's edge, gripping their weapons nervously. "Whatever's going on up there," one adventurer muttered, "we're staying out of it. That's S-rank level, at least."
In the air, Kael traded blow after blow with Zetsuei, their movements almost too fast to track. Zetsuei's speed gave it an advantage, and one of its blade-like limbs managed to slice clean through Kael's right arm. But with the Grand Fist's regenerative abilities, the arm regrew instantly, glowing with renewed energy.
Kael retaliated with a devastating punch, shattering one of Zetsuei's arms. Alarcus, hovering nearby, shouted, "Zetsuei, fall back! Keep your distance!" He unleashed a flurry of fireballs and energy blasts from above, forcing Kael to dodge while maintaining his pursuit.
"You think that'll stop me?" Kael roared, diving toward Alarcus with fists blazing. Zetsuei intercepted, and the two clashed again, their collision shaking the sky.
As Kael closed in, Alarcus began chanting a spell. "Let's see how you handle this. Zetsuei, Thunder Veil!" Blue lightning crackled across Zetsuei's frame, electrifying its blades. The construct slashed toward Kael, each swing emitting arcs of electricity that scorched the air.
Kael maneuvered through the onslaught, using Grand Fist's propeller to boost himself out of harm's way. He twisted mid-flight, delivering a shockwave punch from a distance. The energy blast struck Zetsuei in the chest, forcing it to falter in the air.
Alarcus immediately countered. "Barrier Circle!" A shimmering shield appeared in front of Zetsuei, absorbing Kael's follow-up shockwave. The impact caused the shield to break, but it held long enough for Zetsuei to recover and charge forward again.
Back at the forge, Reyn had been enjoying a much-needed nap. The loud booms and flashes of light jolted him awake. Groaning, he rubbed his eyes and muttered, "Can't a guy get some rest around here?"
Pulling on his cloak and grabbing a hammer, Reyn headed out to investigate the commotion. As he reached the forest, he saw Kael, with his gold propeller spinning behind him, and Zetsuei battling fiercely in the air, with Alarcus providing support from above. The sheer intensity of the fight made Reyn sigh in frustration.
Stepping forward, Reyn timed his approach perfectly. Just as Kael and Zetsuei were about to collide again, he swung his hammer and intercepted their strikes with a resounding clang. The force of the impact sent shockwaves rippling outward, momentarily halting the fight.
Both Kael and Alarcus froze, stunned. The adventurers watching from the forest edge gasped in disbelief.
"Who's that?" one whispered. "that guy just stopped the battle effortlessly?" another said, awestruck.
Reyn lowered his hammer and glared at the two combatants. "What the hell are you two doing? You're tearing up the forest and driveing monsters away toward the villages."
Alarcus descended, landing awkwardly and raising his hands. "It's not what it looks like!" he said hurriedly. "I might have... overreacted."
Kael scoffed, landing beside him, his golden propeller folding neatly into his back. "Overreacted? You shot arrows at me! What did you think was gonna happen?"
Alarcus replied calmly saying"it was a misunderstanding How was I supposed to know the big monster headed towards the forge was being carried by you"
Reyn sighed, pinching the bridge of his nose. "I don't care who started it. This mess is your responsibility. You're both reckless, and your fight's endangering innocent people."
As if to emphasize his point, a distant roar echoed through the forest. Reyn pointed in its direction. "Fix this. Now."
Kael and Alarcus exchanged uneasy glances before nodding. Together, they left to deal with the monsters attacking the villages in the distance and apologized to them.
Later that evening, Kael and Alarcus returned to the forge. Reyn was back at his workbench, hammering away at a new creation while surrounded by numerous magic circles he invented with the forge to his right and amber to his left.
Kael leaned against the doorway, arms crossed. "Reyn," he began, "that Grand Fist of mine... and Zetsuei," he added, gesturing to Alarcus, "are they from one of your stories?"
Reyn glanced at them, a smirk tugging at his lips. "They are. I was wondering when you'd ask."
Alarcus tilted his head curiously. "So, what's the story?"
Setting down his hammer, Reyn turned to face them. "It's a tale of struggle, growth, and power—one you'd probably enjoy. If you want to hear it, head over to my mom's restaurant in Greyhold. I send all my best stories there. Tell her I sent you, and she'll make sure you get something good."
Kael chuckled. "Your mom's restaurant, huh? Guess I'll have to check it out."
Alarcus nodded, his interest clearly piqued. "I look forward to it."
Reyn waved them off, already turning back to his work. "Enjoy the story, but don't forget to do your job too. No more reckless fights, got it?"
Kael smirked. "Yeah, yeah. We'll keep it under control."
Alarcus nodded.
With that, the two left the forge, already discussing the story they were about to hear and how they might retell it someday.