Chapter 17: Blood for the Fragment
The attackers came like a storm.
No warning. No formation. Just pure intent to kill.
Kael's eyes narrowed. The first blade sliced toward his neck—he moved just enough. The attacker stumbled as Kael twisted the strike aside and shoved him backward. Before he hit the ground, Kael spun, fist striking another charging attacker. One down.
Five more lunged at once. Spears, swords, daggers—all aimed high. Kael flowed through them, every movement precise, unstoppable. He ducked, weaved, and countered in one smooth motion. The battlefield erupted in chaos: weapons clanged, feet slipped on loose earth, attackers stumbled over each other.
A heavy sword swung overhead. Kael stepped inside the arc, grabbed the attacker's arm, and used the momentum to throw him into the dirt. Another came from the side, spear thrusting. Kael caught it, twisted, and launched the man off balance.
Then he saw the leader. The man with the curved blade. Faster than the rest, aura crackling like storm clouds. Kael's pulse quickened. This one was strong, but so was he.
The leader slashed straight at Kael's head. Kael met it with Skybreaker—clang! Sparks flew. The ground cracked. The leader grinned, dark energy spiraling around him.
Kael exhaled. The Broken Heaven Energy surged, sharp and focused.
Another strike. Kael moved inside the arc, disappearing behind the leader. Skybreaker swung—curved blade shattered. The leader froze.
Kael grabbed him. Pulled him close.
"Shattered Horizon…"
Energy compressed around his fist.
"…Third Break."
The strike exploded outward, sending shockwaves through the crater. Remaining attackers froze, then scattered like startled birds.
Kael stood in the center, chest heaving. Dust and debris swirled. The fragment pulsed in his chest. His hands glowed faintly with Broken Heaven Energy.
He wiped them on Skybreaker. Looked up at the broken sky. Cracks wider now, stirring with unseen energy.
"One step at a time," he muttered.
Then he walked forward, leaving chaos behind.
This was only the beginning. Whoever came next, i would overwhelm then too.