Chapter: The Black Blade – 10th Apocalyptic Twin
After defeating the Mental Twin, Kael felt that the dark power within him had evolved to a new level. But this was only the beginning. Each of the Apocalyptic Twins was a step stronger than the last, and Kael was reborn each time through the opposite of that power. The destructive desire within him granted him more strength with every step of vengeance. Yet now, the 10th Apocalyptic Twin would test Kael not just physically—but spiritually.
Their names were not only symbols of war but also representations of the dark essence of their being. This time, the enemy was a warrior feared by his own power, known as the Black Blade. His real name was Arkham, though few called him that anymore. To most, he was the Black Blade—his identity fused with a weapon of destruction.
When Kael first heard the title Black Blade, something within his dark power stirred uneasily. The name carried great meaning for him. Arkham didn't just strike fear on the battlefield; he had become a symbol of death and suffering. His sword was no ordinary weapon—it grew sharper with each death, linking every blow to the echoes of war. Kael thought he knew how this fight would end, but Arkham would show him just how much more complex things really were.
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As Kael walked alone in the darkness of night, he could feel Arkham's presence. The unease in his mind grew with every step. The dark force behind Arkham loomed like a shadow, ready to descend upon Kael at any moment. Wasting no time, Kael prepared himself and moved toward his enemy.
Suddenly, Arkham's silhouette appeared before him. The Black Blade stood directly ahead. In his eyes was the coldness of a man long lost in war. His face, aged by time and battle, bore a fatigue that matched the deadly calm in his gaze—gaze that warned Kael one last time.
Arkham raised his sword swiftly and lunged at Kael. But Kael was no longer who he once was. The intelligence and strategic thinking gained from the Mental Twin gave him a great edge. This battle wouldn't be just about power—it would be one of minds.
Kael dodged with a quick maneuver, narrowly escaping the blade's force. Every swing from Arkham tore through the ground Kael had just passed. But Kael managed to avoid the blows. Arkham, realizing he couldn't match Kael's speed, changed his strategy. He began swinging with greater force, trying to overwhelm Kael's agility.
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"The end of battle," Arkham said, staring Kael down, "is always death. But this time... I will show you how real death is—not just for you, but for the whole world."
Kael felt the weight behind Arkham's words. This fight would be more than just physical—it was a trial of the soul. Every strike carried echoes of Arkham's message.
Then Arkham's blade landed a deep hit. Kael staggered, his body weakening. But with every wound, Kael grew stronger. The dark power inside him surged deeper. As the fight dragged on, he absorbed more strength.
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Toward the end of the battle, Kael made his best move yet. In a fleeting moment of distraction, he caught Arkham off-guard. His sword pierced Arkham's abdomen. The Black Blade staggered back from the blow, collapsing, eyes still fixed on Kael.
"I... didn't expect that," Arkham muttered. "But you… you're still not strong enough."
Kael heard the dying words clearly. For a moment, he paused—then, despite his bruised and battered body, he smiled. The dark power shielded him, but every new enemy showed him just how much more strength he would need. Though this battle brought victory, Arkham's final words echoed in Kael's mind.
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As Arkham drew his last breath, Kael rose once more. His eyes grew heavy under the weight of this victory. But then he made a decision: this was only the beginning. There was no time to savor victory. The reckoning with the kingdom was drawing near.
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After Arkham's death, Kael stood still for a while. Near the end of the fight, Arkham's words had stuck with him.
"You're still not strong enough."
Kael didn't yet fully grasp the meaning, but he now understood the terrifying strength of his enemies.
And yet… Kael had been strong enough to defeat Arkham.
And that would carry him one step further.