Bloodline Recognition
The tension snapped instantly.
The general moved first.
Faster than anything Kael had faced before.
Their clash shook the ground beneath them.
Kael barely blocked the first strike.
The force alone pushed him back several meters.
"…Stronger than the commander," Leon muttered.
Kael adjusted his stance.
"No."
"Much stronger."
The general attacked again.
Each strike carried overwhelming power, forcing Kael to rely on both speed and precision just to survive.
But something strange happened.
The closer they fought—
The more the general slowed.
His movements became… hesitant.
Uncertain.
Kael noticed immediately.
"Why are you holding back?" he asked.
The general stepped back slightly.
Then stared at him.
"…It's your energy."
Kael frowned.
"What about it?"
The general's eyes narrowed.
"It's not just similar."
He took a slow step forward.
"It's the same."
Silence fell.
Seraphine realized it first.
"He recognizes you…"
The general lowered his blade slightly.
"…You are truly his heir."
Kael stood still.
For the first time—
He wasn't just fighting an enemy.
He was facing something connected to his past.
His bloodline.
His legacy.
The general spoke one final time:
"If you wish to claim the Abyss…"
His aura expanded.
"…you must prove you are worthy."
Kael raised his blade.
Darkness surged.
"Then come."