The ground trembled as Kael and Sol clashed once more, the sounds of their battle echoing through the vault. The force of their strikes reverberated off the walls, sending cracks spidering across the ancient stone.
Sol's blade met Kael's energy in a spectacular burst of light, the two forces colliding with a shockwave that sent dust and debris swirling in every direction.
Kael's power was growing, but it was still raw. The more he tapped into the Core's energy, the more it seemed to consume him. It was a battle of wills — Kael's hope against Sol's certainty.
"You're nothing but a weapon," Sol hissed, his blade flashing as he swept it toward Kael's midsection. "The Architect made you for one purpose: to destroy."
Kael's eyes burned with golden fire as he blocked the strike, the force of Sol's blade pushing him back. He gritted his teeth, trying to focus, trying to control the power he was channeling.
"I'm not his weapon!" Kael shouted. "I'm not anyone's weapon anymore."
The words felt strange to him, as if they were a declaration of freedom — but they were also a promise.
In that moment, Kael felt the power of the Heart of Dawn surge within him. His veins glowed with the light of the sun itself, and he stepped forward, his body a blur of energy and motion.
Sol's eyes widened as Kael struck, his blows landing with the force of a thousand suns. But even as Sol staggered, he recovered quickly, his movements more fluid, more precise.
"This isn't over," Sol said through gritted teeth. "The Architect will never let you win."