The world around them cracked with raw energy as Kai charged forward, his sword glowing with the artifact's power. Every step he took sent shockwaves through the ground, as if the very earth responded to his awakening strength.
Solis remained still, his golden eyes locked onto Kai with unwavering focus. Then, with a flick of his wrist, he summoned a barrier of radiant light, its warmth burning like the sun itself.
Kai swung his sword with all his might, and as his blade met Solis' barrier, the impact sent a blinding explosion of energy across the battlefield. The force threw Lyra back, forcing her to shield her eyes as the very air shimmered under the immense power of their clash.
Solis gritted his teeth, his feet digging into the earth as he pushed against Kai's strike. "You are reckless," he growled. "Power without control is destruction!"
Kai clenched his jaw, pushing forward with all his strength. "Then I'll learn to control it—on my own terms!"
The artifact pulsed in response, as if acknowledging his resolve. A surge of power erupted from Kai's body, breaking through Solis' barrier and sending the sun warrior skidding backward.
Solis steadied himself, his expression shifting from frustration to something that almost resembled approval. "You're stronger than I expected," he admitted. "But strength alone won't save you."
With a swift motion, he raised both hands, and the sky above them ignited. Golden flames swirled into a massive sphere, casting the entire battlefield in a fiery glow. The heat was unbearable, forcing Kai to step back. Even Lyra, still recovering from the blast, gasped at the sheer intensity of Solis' power.
"That's…" Lyra's voice trembled. "The Wrath of the Sun."
Kai barely had time to react before Solis hurled the massive firestorm toward him. Instinct took over. Instead of running, he raised his sword, channeling the artifact's energy into the blade. A barrier of his own erupted around him, shimmering with an eerie blue glow.
The firestorm collided with Kai's shield, sending ripples of energy in all directions. The ground beneath him cracked and splintered, but he held firm. His fingers ached from gripping the sword so tightly, but he refused to let go.
Not yet. I can't fall here.
With a roar, Kai pushed forward, slicing through the firestorm with a single, decisive strike. The flames split apart, dissipating into embers that rained down like dying stars.
Solis' eyes widened in shock, but before he could react, Kai was already upon him. He swung his sword, his strike faster than the eye could follow. Solis barely managed to block, but the force sent him sliding backward once more.
Kai wasn't done. He moved on instinct, his body fueled by a power that felt both foreign and familiar. He unleashed a flurry of attacks, each one carrying the weight of the artifact's energy. Solis deflected the strikes with precise movements, but for the first time, he was on the defensive.
"You're hesitating," Kai observed between strikes. "You said I wasn't ready. But maybe you're the one who's afraid."
Solis' expression darkened. "I do not fear you, Kai. I fear what you will become."
Their swords clashed once more, sparks flying as raw power rippled between them. But then, just as Kai prepared to deliver another blow, a chilling presence filled the air.
A deep, menacing voice echoed through the clearing.
"How… amusing."
Kai and Solis both froze as the ground beneath them trembled. The sky darkened, the stars above flickering as if something ancient stirred.
From the shadows, a figure emerged—a towering man clad in midnight armor, his eyes glowing with an ominous crimson light. His very presence sent a shiver down Kai's spine, and even Solis seemed tense.
Lyra gasped, recognizing the figure instantly. "No… It can't be."
The man chuckled, his voice filled with malice. "Did you really think you were the only ones who sought the artifact?" He stepped forward, his gaze locking onto Kai. "You've done well to awaken its power. But now… it's time for the true bearer to claim it."
Kai's grip tightened on his sword. He didn't know who this man was, but every instinct in his body screamed that this was no ordinary enemy.
Solis narrowed his eyes. "You were never meant to be here."
The man smirked. "And yet, here I am." His crimson gaze returned to Kai. "Tell me, boy. Are you prepared to face true power?"
Before Kai could respond, the man raised his hand—and the entire battlefield erupted into darkness.