The Awakening Of The Shadows
Chapter 31: The Rematch

Chapter 31: The Rematch

The sound of battle in the distance seemed far away to Lian and Elios, who now faced each other in a secluded clearing away from their teams’ conflict. Their swords radiated opposing energies. While the darkness of Oblivion pulsed with an almost suffocating intensity, the light of his sword shone with a serene but powerful warmth. The tension between them was palpable, and neither seemed willing to make the first move.

"You’re tired, Lian," Elios said, his voice calm but firm. He kept his sword raised, his eyes fixed on Lian’s. "This doesn’t have to end with you on the ground."

"Tired or not, I won’t give up," Lian replied determinedly. He gripped Oblivion tightly, its shadows writhing around him like hungry serpents. "I’ve lost to you once. It won’t happen again."

Elios sighed, tilting his head slightly. "You’re forcing my hand, Lian. I won’t hold back."

Before Elios could continue, Lian attacked. He charged forward with Oblivion, the blade cloaked in dark energy. Elios quickly raised his weapon, blocking the strike. The clash of their swords created a wave of energy that swept across the ground, scattering dust and leaves.

"You always talk too much!" Lian shouted, pressing forward to deliver another blow. He spun Oblivion, sending a surge of shadows toward Elios.

Elios countered with precision. Raising his sword, it began to shine even brighter, slicing through the darkness as if it were mist. He moved forward with surprising speed, striking toward Lian’s flank.

Lian attempted to block, but his fatigue was catching up with him; protecting his entire team while fighting had taken its toll. He managed to deflect the blow but was forced to retreat. Panting heavily, he gritted his teeth, feeling the weight of Oblivion grow heavier in his hands. His shadows were still active, but they were unstable, flickering like flames about to extinguish.

"You’re pushing yourself too hard," Elios remarked, delivering another strike that Lian barely managed to block. "You’re trying to carry everything on your own, as if you’re solely responsible for your team."

"And what if I am?" Lian shot back, forcing Elios away with tremendous effort. He stepped forward, his shadows intensifying as he launched a series of rapid strikes.

Elios dodged skillfully, his stance firm and controlled. "That’s what’s killing you. You can’t fight the whole world, Lian. Not alone."

"I don’t have a choice!" Lian yelled, his voice filled with frustration and pain. He spun Oblivion, channeling his shadows into a massive attack. A wave of darkness surged toward Elios, engulfing the clearing in shadow.

Elios didn’t hesitate. He drove his sword into the ground with force, releasing a burst of light that dispelled the darkness around him. The clearing was illuminated, and Lian was thrown back by the impact, collapsing to his knees.

Gasping for breath, Lian stood again, but his legs trembled. He knew he was at his limit. The effort of protecting his team and repeatedly drawing upon his shadows had drained him. Even so, he kept moving forward, his eyes burning with determination.

"You’re stubborn," Elios said, a hint of admiration in his voice. He raised the sword again, its light glowing intensely. "But this will only lead to your defeat."

"Then defeat me," Lian replied, his shadows swirling around Oblivion. He struck again, delivering fast and precise blows, searching for an opening.

Elios blocked each attack with mastery, his luminous energy forming an almost impenetrable barrier. He pressed forward, forcing Lian to retreat. "You’re not going to win, Lian. Not like this."

"Shut up and fight!" Lian shouted, his frustration mounting. He felt like he wasn’t progressing at all. Every time he lost, and even when he won, he was left barely alive. At this point, he didn’t live for himself anymore, but for his goals.

Lian’s movements grew more erratic. His breathing was heavy, and each swing of Oblivion seemed to drain more of his strength. But he didn’t stop. Every time Elios pushed him back, he responded with more force, more desperation.

Finally, Elios found an opening. With a swift motion, he disarmed Lian, sending Oblivion flying out of reach. Lian fell to his knees, exhausted and defenseless.

"It’s over, Lian," Elios said, pointing his sword at him. But there was no arrogance in his voice, only calm firmness.

Lian looked up at Elios, his expression a mix of frustration and anger. He pounded his fist against the ground, his shadows writhing chaotically around him. "Again... I lost again..." He clenched his teeth, his labored breathing turning into roars of frustration.

"Lian," Elios said, stepping back as he felt Lian’s energy grow more unstable. "Control yourself."

"I don’t need to control myself!" Lian screamed, his shadows expanding rapidly, engulfing the ground around him. His rage and frustration seemed to fuel Oblivion, which returned to his hand as if drawn by his energy.

Elios narrowed his eyes, raising a barrier of light to defend himself. "Lian, stop this! You’re losing control!"

He knew he was at his breaking point, but he couldn’t hold himself back. Everything inside him screamed for victory, for vengeance, for something to justify the burden he carried.

"Elios," Lian said, his voice low but laden with dark intensity. "You need to leave. Now."

"Lian, I’m not leaving you like this," Elios replied, stepping forward. "You need—"

"I said leave!" Lian roared, a wave of shadows exploding around him. The clearing was consumed by darkness, and Elios had to raise his sword to dispel it.

Even with his unstable energy, Lian seemed determined to fight again, but Elios saw something in his eyes: pain, frustration, and a deep fear.

Lian’s eyes began to darken as the shadows spiraled out of control and enveloped him. He tried to stop it, but at that moment, he no longer had control over his body. He could only utter one last word, his voice trembling and weak.

"Run..."

With those words, Elios began to retreat, keeping his weapon raised to fend off the shadows still pulsing around Lian. He stepped back slowly, his fear growing as the shadows overtook his friend. Something like armor seemed to form, and the aura emanating from Lian was so terrifying that it left Elios paralyzed.