The hatchet left Amon's left hand like a streak of black shadow.

A dark line formed in the direction of Aziz.

It spun through the air, its edge coated in darkness, aimed straight at Aziz's neck. The timing was perfect. The mana bullet had just passed by Aziz's face, forcing his attention for a split second.

But that split second was still not enough.

Aziz's eyes flickered. He leaned his head back slightly.

Clang!

The hatchet barely missed his throat, slicing through a few strands of his hair instead. It flew past him and slammed into a tree behind with a deep thud, burying itself halfway into the trunk.

Aziz slowly straightened his posture. He touched his hair, then looked at his fingers. A few strands had been cut.

His smile faded.

"…Interesting," he muttered.

Amon didn't waste the moment. He dashed forward, shadow and mana wrapping around his legs, boosting his speed. He grabbed his sword with both hands and swung downward with all his strength.

Aziz raised his sword and blocked.

Claaang!

The impact shook the area. Amon felt his arms scream in pain, but he didn't stop. He pushed harder, teeth clenched, pouring every bit of mana he had into his muscles.

'Fuck! He's too strong!'

For a brief moment. Juzst a brief moment. Aziz was pushed half a step back.

Amon's eyes widened.

'I can push him… even a little…!'

But the next instant, reality hit. Aziz's foot moved.

Kick!

Amon didn't even see it properly. The kick landed on his side, sending him flying again. His body smashed into the ground, rolling several times before stopping.

"Cough–!" Amon spat out blood.

His ribs burned. His arms felt numb. His breathing became uneven.

Aziz walked toward him again, sword resting on his shoulder.

"Nice trick," Aziz said calmly. "But tricks don't change the outcome."

Amon forced himself to roll away as Aziz slashed downward. The blade cut into the ground, missing Amon by inches.

Amon crawled to his knees and extended his hand.

[Shadow Clutch]

Shadows burst from the ground, grabbing at Aziz's legs. For the first time, Aziz clicked his tongue.

"Tch."

He flexed his muscles, and a dark red aura surged from his body. The shadow restraints shattered like smoke.

Before Amon could react, Aziz appeared right in front of him.

Punch!

Amon felt something crack as the punch landed on his shoulder. His body spun and crashed against a tree, the bark splintering from the impact.

His sword slipped from his hand again and fell to the ground.

Amon slid down the tree and collapsed on one knee, gasping for air. His vision swam. His whole body felt heavy, like it was sinking into mud.

Aziz stood a few steps away, looking down at him.

"You're persistent," he said. "But persistence without strength is just desperation."

Amon laughed weakly.

"Heh… yeah… maybe."

He slowly raised his head, his eyes still burning with refusal to give up.

"But… I'm not done yet."

Aziz raised his sword.

"That can be arranged."

Amon clenched his fist, shadows flickering weakly around his body. His mana was running low. His limbs barely responded. Still, he forced himself to stand.

His legs shook. His arms trembled. But he stood somehow.

Aziz paused for a brief moment, studying him.

He stepped forward, ready to end it.

Amon narrowed his eyes and commanded his shadow that had covered the hatchet. The hatchet stuck in the tree trembled and moved out from the trunk.

Swissss!

The hatchet flew back toward Aziz. It made a swish sound while tearing through the air.

Aziz's focus was on Amon, but he was still able to hear the sound of something coming in his direction.

He was a little late to avoid it. Aziz sidestepped, but the hatchet's curved blade made a cut on his right arm, just below the shoulder.

His robe tore, and a red cut was revealed on his bicep.

Amon raised his left hand and held it tightly. He stood on his feet again, taking the fallen sword back into his right hand.

Aziz remained at the same spot. "Oh… now that was an interesting skill. How did you summon your weapon back?"

Amon didn't answer. He just wiped the blood from his lips. He kicked off the ground and dashed at him.

Aziz just smirked. His blade started to glow orange as it became covered with blazing fire. The temperature in the surroundings began to rise.

Amon's dark sword clashed with the fiery sword.

Clang!

Clang!

Clang!

They exchanged attacks. Amon fought while using both of his weapons.

Aziz, who was clearly stronger, was enjoying his time. He was just playing with Amon until his colleague Vikara came back. He knew that Vikara was strong enough to defeat those who were following them.

Clang!

Multiple dark trajectories clashed against orange trajectories.

Their impact sent waves through the surrounding forest.

Aziz was fighting with a small smile. His face was calm. There was no strain on it.

Amon was the complete opposite. He was gritting his teeth, fists clenched. His muscles strained with each strike.

'Dammit, this is all useless.'

Amon knew it. Deep down, he already knew. This fight was not in his favor from the very beginning. Still, he didn't stop.

He swung his sword again, shadows wrapping around the blade as he poured mana into it.

[Eclipse Bolt]

Dark lightning burst from the sword, tearing through the air toward Aziz. The bolt cracked loudly, ripping apart branches in its path.

Aziz didn't even look surprised.

He swung his flaming sword casually.

Boom!

The fire-covered blade cleaved straight through the Eclipse Bolt. Dark lightning scattered and faded into sparks of shadow.

Amon's eyes widened. Before he could react. Aziz was already in front of him.

Clang!

Their swords collided again. Fire and shadow exploded outward, scorching the ground and blackening nearby trees.

Amon tried to follow up immediately.

[Shadow Claw]

Dark claws formed around his left arm, extending outward like sharp talons. He slashed sideways, aiming for Aziz's torso.

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