Night in the Destroyed City…
Dust filled the air, and debris from collapsed buildings lay scattered everywhere. Light rain began to fall, soaking Dzeth's bloodied body. His breathing was heavy, and his hands trembled as he gripped the Heavenly Dagger, now covered in fine cracks.
Before him, Hydro Paladin stood tall, his deep blue armor gleaming under the dim city lights. The bluish glow of his sword reflected off the raindrops, creating the illusion of water dancing around him.
"You're finished," Hydro Paladin said with absolute confidence.
He raised his sword to his shoulder, preparing for the final strike. Dzeth, exhausted and wounded, could only brace himself.
SWISSHH!
Suddenly
"DZETH!!"
A figure rushed in, pushing Dzeth aside. Hwang Hawk!
SCHLLAAKK!!
Hydro Paladin's blade slashed straight into Hwang's body. Dzeth's eyes widened, his chest tightening as blood sprayed into the air. Hwang collapsed.
"N-no… Hwang!"
Dzeth stumbled toward his fallen friend, his hands shaking. For the first time in a long while, his eyes filled with tears.
"Why… Why would you do that?!"
He clenched his fists tightly, his head lowered.
Dzeth's blue eyes began to glow.
-
Dzeth's Wrath!
WUSHHH!!!
A sudden gust of wind blasted through the area. Dzeth lifted his face his expression serious, his eyes burning with fury.
"You've gone too far, Hydro."
Fueled by uncontrollable rage, Limitless Energy surged through Dzeth's body. A golden aura enveloped him. Without hesitation, he launched himself at Hydro Paladin at a speed far greater than before!
"HEAVENLY STRIKE!"
CLANG!
The Heavenly Dagger slashed at Hydro Paladin's armor. BAMMM!!! One section of the blue armor cracked and shattered! Hydro Paladin staggered back, his eyes filled with disbelief.
"What… You?!"
Dzeth didn't stop. He spun in midair and delivered another strike CRACK! Another piece of armor broke!
A fierce battle erupted! Dzeth and Hydro Paladin exchanged blows at extreme speeds. Each clash sent shockwaves through the air, leveling more of the already-destroyed city.
Dzeth's wounds worsened, his body bleeding profusely. Yet, his eyes remained ablaze with determination.
-
A Prolonged Battle!
Dzeth leaped into the sky and with a single hand gesture…
"DIVINE SUMMON: EMPEROR CURSED! CRIMSON PALADIN!"
SWOOOOSHHH!!!
A golden and red radiance illuminated the night. Two powerful entities materialized!
Emperor Cursed, a towering golden titan.
Crimson Paladin, wielding a blazing red sword.
Hydro Paladin stood frozen.
"Why… Why are my own kind siding with him?!"
But there was no time for questions. Both Divine Entities attacked Hydro Paladin simultaneously!
BOOOMMMM!!!!
A massive explosion shook the battlefield. Emperor Cursed and Crimson Paladin relentlessly attacked Hydro Paladin, forcing him onto the defensive.
A grueling, high-speed battle ensued. Hydro Paladin's armor continued to shatter piece by piece.
Yet
BAMMM!!!
Emperor Cursed crashed into the ground, vanishing in a burst of golden light.
CRACK!
Crimson Paladin fell to one knee, his form fracturing before completely dissipating.
Dzeth stood frozen. His chest rose and fell rapidly, his body coated in sweat and blood.
In his heart, he whispered:
"(So this is what Grade Ex truly means…?)"
And yet, he smirked.
-
Final Attack: Heavenly Slash!
Hydro Paladin was gasping for breath. His once-impenetrable armor was now almost completely destroyed.
Dzeth tightened his grip on the Heavenly Dagger. A golden glow began to surge from the blade this time, far brighter than before.
He raised the dagger high into the sky.
"HEAVENLY SLASH!!!"
SSSHHHHHIIIIINNNGGGG!!!!
A gigantic golden slash tore through the air, cutting toward Hydro Paladin at immense speed. The light was so bright it illuminated the entire ruined city.
The remaining civilians, still fleeing in terror, paused, their eyes drawn to the sky.
"What is that?! A holy light?!"
BOOOOOOOMMMM!!!!
A thunderous impact shook the earth!
As the dust settled Hydro Paladin was seen kneeling, his breathing shallow. His body was covered in deep wounds.
Dzeth walked toward him slowly. He locked eyes with the weakened warrior.
"This is the end for you."
SWISHHH!
With a swift motion, Dzeth's blade sliced across Hydro Paladin's neck.
And finally he fell.
-
Hwang Isn't Moving…
Dzeth immediately rushed to Hwang's side. He shook his friend's body.
"Hwang! Wake up! I won! We won! Don't do this, man!"
But Hwang didn't respond.
"No… This can't be happening…"
Tears streamed down Dzeth's face. He lowered his head, gripping Hwang's jacket tightly. Akanza and Syiro arrived behind him, trying to comfort him.
But Dzeth refused to accept this reality.
In the silence an idea surfaced in his mind.
"BDA… I still have BDA."
Without hesitation, Dzeth placed his hands on Hwang's chest.
His eyes turned gold. Limitless Energy surged into his palms.
The glow engulfed Hwang's body.
BOOM!
In a flash Hwang gasped sharply and opened his eyes!
Dzeth's eyes widened in shock before softening in relief.
Hwang sat up weakly. His gaze met Dzeth's.
"Dzeth… You won?"
Dzeth nodded, wiping away his tears.
"Thank you, Hwang…"
They smiled before Akanza and Syiro rushed in embracing Hwang in a tight hug.
-
Dzeth & The Night Sky
After the brutal battle, they all returned home to rest.
But Dzeth didn't go back immediately.
He walked up a small mountain near the ruined city.
Standing at the peak, he gazed at the star-filled night sky.
He took a deep breath.
"Looks like… I need to become even stronger from now on."
A cool breeze blew gently across his face.
That night, Dzeth made a promise to himself he would become stronger than anyone.
TO BE CONTINUED…