Oberyn moved first—vanishing and reappearing behind Ned in a blur, spear lashing with deadly precision. But Kronoz reacted instantly, raising its massive hand to parry the strike. Sparks flew.
> "Divide."
The moment Oberyn's spear touched the avatar, Ned's soul gear siphoned 50% of the temporal energy in that instant. Ned's aura flared, growing stronger.
> "Hoh… that's interesting," Oberyn growled, stepping back. "You're a leech-type. Not bad."
He struck again—this time thrusting the spear directly at Ned's chest. Chrono-Break Surge activated, slowing the moment of impact while a phantom spearhead stabbed from another angle—a time-delayed double hit.
Ned barely managed to shift, absorbing one strike and dodging the phantom. His Power Divide triggered again. His reaction speed soared.
> "You're annoying," Oberyn hissed. "Let's ruin that smug silence."
He activated Conceptual Ruination—targeting the concept of resistance on Ned's armor. Cracks began forming along his chest guard, the idea of "defense" unraveling with each clash.
But then Ned smirked—a rare sight.
> "Equalization Zone."
"You are no king in my presence."
The ground shuddered as a massive field expanded outward. Oberyn's overwhelming aura dimmed, while Ned's power surged to match him, if not exceed him. Now, they were equals.
> "What the—" Oberyn's eyes widened as his spear suddenly felt heavier.
Kronoz moved. For a brief instant, it slashed with its clawed hand, knocking Oberyn back.
> "Balance Breaker."
"Kronoz Ascended: Armor of the Horned Usurper."
Ned was now clad in obsidian armor, gold veined and glowing. Twin greatswords flared into existence behind his back, humming with stored energy.
> "Let's see if your time tricks can keep up."
The clash became monstrous—shockwaves rippling as swords met spear. Oberyn growled, activating Thanatogravemind. His form shifted into a skeletal warlord of death and time.
> "Chrono-Tomb Domain."
Time twisted violently. Spells looped. Footsteps echoed twice. For every sword swing Ned made, Oberyn was already reacting. But Power Divide was working overtime, and Ned had stored up massive energy.
> "Overdrive Burst!"
Ned exploded with absorbed power—forcing Oberyn on the defensive. His armor cracked. His spear flickered.
But Oberyn, teeth gritted and blood trickling from his mouth, roared:
> "Eternal Stillness Mode."
Time stopped.
Ned was frozen mid-swing. For five seconds, Oberyn moved freely—each movement exact, precise, lethal. He slammed the Spear of Thanatos into Ned's chest, not just striking his body, but the concept of cohesion within his Soul Gear.
> Crack.
Kronoz wavered.
Time resumed.
Ned collapsed to one knee, gasping, armor flickering.
> "Match over!" shouted the judge. "Victory—Oberyn Marazai!"
There was silence… then thunderous applause.
Oberyn stood still, breathing heavily. His armor melted away, and with a rare solemnity, he walked toward Ned—pausing.
Then, to everyone's surprise, he bowed slightly.
> "You're a monster, Ned Myrkwyn," he said. "And the only one who's ever made me go that far. You have my respect."
Ned looked up and nodded.
> "We'll fight again."
---
Aftermath – Commentary from the Stands
Peter: "That was INSANE! Did you see how Oberyn got forced into using Eternal Stillness? Man, Ned almost had him!"
Robert: "Ned adapted mid-fight. His Divide strategy and energy stacking nearly overwhelmed a conceptual and temporal manipulator. That's genius-level combat sense."
Jon (quietly): "If Ned masters control over the stored power... he might even surpass Oberyn next time."
Serenil, arms still folded, gave a small smile.
> "They're both monsters. But Oberyn's ruthlessness... it's not something to underestimate. Still, Ned proved Class Imperium isn't to be looked down on. That was the kind of duel that shapes legends."