The battlefield roared with chaos as Youth and Cristianos clashed in the center of it all. Their weapons struck with such ferocity that shockwaves rippled outward, sending debris flying.
Youth's body glowed a brilliant blue, the energy surging through him amplifying his speed and strength.
Youth lunged forward, his spear slicing through the air with impossible precision. Cristianos barely managed to block it with his glowing green greatsword, but the sheer force of the strike cracked the ground beneath him, pinning him momentarily.
"as expected" Cristianos grunted, steadying himself.
"His speed and strength have increased... dramatically."
He leapt back, assessing his opponent. Youth stood tall, his energy shifting like a storm, his glowing crimson eye pulsing with power.
"That gem…" Cristianos muttered under his breath. His grip tightened on his sword as his expression darkened.
"That gem is really starting to get in my nerves, i have other plans for you Youth, but i guess ill just have to take that thing from your corpse!"
Cristianos's sword began to glow brighter, emanating a deep green hue. With a roar, he swung the blade, releasing a massive wave of water that surged toward Youth like a tidal wave.
Youth darted to the side, narrowly evading the attack, but Cristianos appeared behind him in a blur of speed. He reached for Youth's glowing eye, his hand crackling with power.
Youth reacted instantly, driving his elbow into Cristianos's face, sending him staggering backward. He followed up with a powerful kick to Cristianos's chest, slamming him into the ground.
"Damn it!" Cristianos growled, wiping blood from his mouth as he rose.
The two charged at each other again, exchanging a flurry of strikes and counters. Their blows collided with enough force to send shockwaves echoing across the battlefield.
Meanwhile, Schneizal and Sequana worked to protect Lord Lyverin and the panicked citizens.
"Keep them safe!" Schneizal barked, his massive sword cutting through the chaos as he non-lethally struck down attacking marines.
He used the flat of his blade to slam enemies into walls and clear a path for the fleeing civilians.
Lyverin, trembling but trying to compose himself, stepped forward.
"My people! This way! Move away from the battlefield!" he shouted, waving them toward safety.
Above the melee, the civil war between Cristianos's loyalists and the marines and knights still loyal to Lyverin raged on. The Marine Commandos led the charge, working alongside Algos and Gondikas to hold the line.
Back at the heart of the battlefield, Youth and Cristianos's duel reached its climax.
Cristianos's frustration boiled over as he raised his sword to the sky, chanting:
"Wave of the Great Sea, Maelstrom Fury!"
A massive vortex of water erupted around him, its force overwhelming. The swirling energy blasted Youth off his feet, hurling him through the air and into the dense expanse of the Infinity Forests.
Cristianos lowered his sword, breathing heavily but victorious. His gaze shifted to Lord Lyverin, and a slow grin spread across his face.
The marines fired at him from a distance, but Cristianos blocked their shots with ease, advancing toward the lord.
Algos and Thavas charged at him from opposite sides, their weapons ready. Cristianos sneered, unleashing a devastating horizontal slash. The force of the strike sent both men flying, blood spilling as they hit the ground, wounded but alive.
Schneizal appeared next, gripping his massive sword tightly.
"I won't let you!" he shouted, charging headlong at Cristianos.
Their blades collided in a deafening clash, sparks flying with each strike. But Cristianos's strength proved too much. With a powerful swing, he shattered Schneizal's armor and knocked him to the ground.
Cristianos raised his sword, chanting the same spell he had used against Youth. The blast of energy shattered Sequana's magical barrier, knocking her unconscious and leaving Lord Lyverin defenseless.
Cristianos advanced on the trembling lord, his blade glowing with lethal intent.
From above, a streak of blue light tore through the sky like a comet.
Youth, moving at full speed, hurled his spear with incredible force. The weapon surged with blue energy, crackling as it cut through the air.
Cristianos turned just in time to see it, his eyes widening in shock. He raised his sword to block, but the spear pierced through it, shattering the blade before plunging into his chest.
Blood spilled from Cristianos's mouth as the impact drove him back, the spear impaling him into the ground. His breaths came in ragged gasps as he stared at the glowing weapon lodged in his body.
Youth landed gracefully in front of him, his energy still radiating power. He gripped the spear and yanked it free, blood dripping from its tip.
Cristianos staggered, his eyes filled with rage and disbelief. His lips curled into a faint, bitter smile before collapsing to the ground.
The battlefield fell silent as the great general's body lay still, his wounds finally catching up to him.
The fight was over, but the cost of victory was etched into the faces of all who witnessed it. Youth stood amidst the ruins, his spear still glowing faintly, as the crowd began to emerge from their hiding places. The tides of Stoicheia had changed forever.