Eclipse Requiem

The chamber **shook** with raw energy. Black flames swirled violently around the Abyssforged Blade, warping the air itself. The very presence of the sword felt **different** now—stronger, wilder, yet… focused.

Kael **gasped**, his vision flickering between light and darkness. He could feel it—something **awakening** deep within him, something **vast**.

The **chains that bound him**—they were gone.

The Eclipse Seal on his arm **flared**, pulsing in rhythm with his heartbeat.

Veydris stepped back slightly, his eyes narrowing. "This presence…"

Kael slowly pushed himself up, his fingers twitching. His body **no longer felt heavy**. The crushing force that had pinned him moments ago was **gone**.

No, not gone.

**He had overcome it.**

Kael's breathing steadied. He reached out—

And the Abyssforged Blade **rushed to his hand.**

The moment his fingers wrapped around the hilt, a **wave of power** exploded from his body. The stone beneath him **cracked**, the torches lining the chamber **flickering wildly.**

Lyra, still crouched in the rubble, **shielded her eyes.** "What the hell…?"

Kael stared at his own hands. His body felt **lighter**, his senses **sharper**. The once-wild black flames of his sword now flowed **smoothly**, no longer fighting against him but moving **with him.**

For the first time, the Abyssforged Blade was not a **burden.**

It was an **extension of himself.**

Kael exhaled slowly. "I get it now…"

Veydris watched him, silent for a long moment. Then, his lips **curved slightly.** "You finally understand."

Kael lifted his gaze, meeting Veydris's violet eyes.

"I do."

And in that instant—

Kael **vanished.**

The chamber **shuddered** as he **reappeared behind Veydris**, his blade cutting downward in a perfect arc.

Veydris barely twisted in time to **block**, but the impact sent him **skidding back**, his boots carving trenches into the stone floor.

Kael **didn't stop.**

He **rushed forward again**, moving faster than ever before. Each swing of his sword was **precise**, carrying both **speed and weight**, every movement **flawless.**

Veydris blocked and countered, but he was **no longer in control.**

Kael was **dictating the battle now.**

Their swords clashed in a furious storm of light and shadow, sending **shockwaves** through the chamber.

Veydris's expression remained calm, but Kael could **see it now.**

A flicker of **strain** behind his eyes.

*"He's struggling."*

Kael grinned. "What's wrong? I thought I was the one bound by chains?"

Veydris exhaled sharply. "You're still reckless."

He suddenly **twisted**, sidestepping Kael's next strike and bringing his greatsword **down like a hammer.**

Kael **dodged** by a hair's breadth, the sheer force of the swing **shattering the ground where he stood.**

Before Veydris could recover—

Kael **moved.**

Faster than thought.

His Abyssforged Blade **sliced upward**, black flames roaring as it **tore through Veydris's chestplate.**

**CRACK.**

The impact sent the Inquisitor **stumbling back**, his silver armor **splintering**, dark fire **licking at the cracks.**

Kael didn't let up.

He surged forward, slashing his blade in a **blinding arc.**

This time—

Veydris **couldn't block it.**

The Abyssforged Blade **tore through his left gauntlet**, sending shards of metal **clattering** to the floor.

For the first time in the battle, Veydris **breathed heavily.**

Kael **grinned.**

*"I can win."*

Veydris stared at his exposed hand, then at Kael.

Then—he **chuckled.**

"You truly are something else."

Kael's grin faded slightly. "What's so funny?"

Veydris exhaled, rolling his shoulders. "I was right about you. You were holding yourself back all along."

Kael tightened his grip on his sword. "I'm done holding back."

Veydris nodded slowly. "Then let me show you what it means to fight without limits."

Kael's **instincts screamed.**

Veydris lifted his sword, and the **sigil on his forehead blazed.**

The silver chains wrapped around his body **shattered.**

A pulse of raw, **unfiltered power** erupted from him.

Kael braced himself as the shockwave **slammed into him**, forcing him back several feet.

Veydris's silver aura was no longer calm and refined.

It was **alive.**

Fierce. Unrestrained.

Kael's heart **pounded.**

He had finally **unlocked his true power…**

But so had Veydris.

This fight was **far from over.**

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