Chapter 144: A Duel in the Abyss
The air split apart as the Demon Duke lunged, his twin swords leaving behind trails of black fire.
Kael barely managed to block, his arms trembling under the force.
This wasn't just overwhelming strength—this was technique.
The Demon Duke fought like a seasoned warlord, every movement precise, every strike carrying the weight of centuries.
And worse—he was getting faster.
Vasaria blurred beside Kael, her daggers aiming for the Duke's ribs—
But before her blades could connect, he twisted, catching one dagger between his fingers.
Then, with a smirk—he threw her backward.
Vasaria flipped mid-air, landing with a snarl. "Alright. That's annoying."
The Duke chuckled. "Pathetic. Is this truly all the mortals have to offer?"
Kael exhaled, his crimson runes flaring.
"Try me again," he muttered.
And then, he attacked.
Kael surged forward, gravity bending around him as he increased his speed tenfold.
His sword came down in an arc of pure destruction.
The Duke smirked—then met his strike head-on.
Their blades clashed, sending out a shockwave that cracked the earth beneath them.
Vasaria took advantage of the moment—disappearing into the shadows.
Then, she struck from behind.
Her dagger sliced toward the Duke's throat—but at the last second, he tilted his head.
She barely missed.
His voice was amused. "Clever. But not enough."
With inhuman precision, he caught her wrist, spinning and slamming her into the ground.
Vasaria coughed, spitting blood.
Kael gritted his teeth.
He's toying with us.
That needed to change.
He activated Arcane Chains, golden runes lashing out to bind the Duke's arms.
For the first time—his expression flickered.
"…Interesting."
Kael's Gravity Sigil flared to life.
The Duke's body sank under immense pressure, the ground cracking beneath him.
And for a moment—Kael had the advantage.
"Vasaria—NOW!"
Vasaria moved in an instant.
Her fangs flashed, her entire form vanishing into mist.
Then—she struck.
Her daggers sank into the Duke's shoulder, piercing through his armor.
Black blood spilled from the wound, sizzling against the air.
The Demon Duke let out a low growl.
Kael pressed the attack.
His sword ignited with Crimson Sigils, a blinding arc of magic crashing into the Duke's chest.
The force sent him flying.
Vasaria landed beside Kael, grinning through her exhaustion.
"…I think we pissed him off."
Kael exhaled. "Good."
Because now, he wasn't holding back either.
Raithon and the Demon General clashed like two raging storms.
Every strike sent waves of fire and mana crashing against the battlefield.
The General, a towering four-armed beast, wielded twin abyssal greatswords, each one radiating death.
Raithon wielded one sword.
But he didn't need another.
With a single hand, he blocked an attack that could have split mountains.
Then, with a flick of his wrist—golden fire erupted.
The General screamed as the flames devoured his corrupted flesh.
Raithon smirked, his emerald eyes gleaming.
"What's wrong?" he sneered. "Burning too much for you?"
The General roared, swinging again—but Raithon was already gone.
He reappeared above his enemy, mana swirling at his fingertips.
Then, with an arrogant whisper—
"Incinerate."
A pillar of flame engulfed the Demon General, reducing him to nothing but ash.
Raithon landed, dusting off his cloak.
"Pathetic."
And then, he turned toward the Duke's battle.
His smirk widened.
"Let's see how that idiot Kael is doing."
While the others fought the leaders, Saria, Thalric, and Ilyra carved through the battlefield.
The greater demons were stronger than expected—faster, more intelligent.
But Saria wasn't concerned.
She moved like a ghost, her shadow magic flowing like liquid darkness.
Thalric fought brutally, his greatsword carving through demon flesh with monstrous strength.
And Ilyra?
She was relentless.
A dagger in one hand, a spell in the other—she cut through demons twice her size.
Thalric glanced at her mid-swing, raising a brow. "Didn't think you had that in you."
Ilyra didn't even look at him. "Surprise."
Saria laughed, weaving through another enemy. "I think I like her."
Ilyra scoffed. "I don't need you to."
Saria smirked. "Too bad. You're stuck with me."
The battlefield around them shook.
Then, they heard it.
A roar—deep, ancient, furious.
The Demon Duke was getting serious.
Thalric exhaled. "Here we go again."
The Demon Duke wiped the black blood from his lips.
Then, he smiled.
"Good," he murmured.
Kael felt his instincts scream.
"Vasaria—GET BACK!"
But it was too late.
The Duke vanished.
Then—he reappeared behind Kael.
A blade pierced through his chest.
Kael's breath caught.
The world blurred.
Vasaria screamed his name.
And the Demon Duke whispered in his ear.
"Let's see how much more you can take, little hero."