Bam. Bam. Bam.
Khal's blows echoed, his fist continuously slamming into Renold's barrier. Renold was left helpless—every time he tried to flee into the shadows to launch a sneak attack, he'd be expelled the moment he got too close. Even cloaking himself or using his Shadow Knight techniques was impossible in Khal's presence.
Renold finally gained some distance and fled a few feet away, panting. Khal faced him with a cold expression, steam sizzling off his fists from the friction of his strikes.
What is going on? Renold thought, his face twisted in frustration.
I can't even fight back—my abilities keep getting canceled or won't activate when I'm near him. If it weren't for the talisman the elder gave me, I'd already be dead.
Khal cooled off his fists with a quick flick of his hands, revealing bruised knuckles that were already beginning to heal.
That damn barrier is such a pain. I'm hitting it with everything I've got, but I can't make a dent. And it looks like my adaptation mastery is still too low to gain something strong enough to break through.
He shifted his left leg back, and without giving Renold a chance to recover, he charged again.
Renold clenched his jaw, retreating into the darkness, trying to create room between him and Khal.
Bam Bam Boom
The noise from their fight had woken up Merlin. She slowly lifted her head up off the ground, groaning and rubbing her head. She picked up her hat that laid next to her, placing it on her head.
FWOOSH!
A loud noise came from where Khal and Renold were fighting once more. Merlin quickly shifted her gaze to over there. Seeing Renold at a huge disadvantage.
She slowly stood to her feet.
"Damn it… I told you we should just leave him be and get out of here."
She regained her balance, gazing at them. "Though i don't want to help him… It's not like a choice… It's my sister or him.
Renold fell to the ground, a frustrated look on his face because he couldn't enter the darkness and escape. Khal stood over him, his expression cold, his eyes glowing with murderous intent.
"This situation brings back such good memories."
Khal lifted his foot and started to stomp on Renold, the barrier shielding him, but Khal didn't ease up; he kept pouring mana into his leg and kept going.
CREAK!
The barrier cracked slightly. Renold's frustration became fear; he tried to fight back but noticed he dropped his dagger a few feet away from him.
"Shit."
BAM!
Khal kept stomping, the barrier breaking more and more.
Finally, you arrogant bastard, finally you'll get what's coming to you.
The hair on Khal's body began to rise, a mild ringing sound building in his head; he could hear the sparking of electricity behind him.
Damn it, Merlin!
PURPLE LIGHTNING [☈]
Khal quickly dodged to the side to avoid the attack—but even so, the lightning changed course and flew straight into him.
PZZT–BOOM!
The blast sent Khal flying, skidding across the ground before slamming hard into the wall.
Shock Resist +1
Shock Resist +1
Shock Resist +1
Pain Resist +1
Pain Resist +1
Muscle Strength +1
Muscle Strength +1
Mana +1
Mana +1
Mana Sense +1
Mana Sense +1
Mana Sense +1
Behind the cloud of dust, Khal layed slumped against the wall, lightning sparking off his body, Struggling to stand back on his feet.
Damn, that hurts. that did way more damage than expected… Why did it do so much damage to me? It was even able to change its course.
A realization popped into Khal's head, his eyes narrowing in surprise.
Light… My body right now is extremely weak against light, and because it also attracts light, her attack was pulled towards me.
The dust cloud dispersed, revealing Khal, his expression frustrated, lightning still sparking of his body.
Renold, still lying on the floor, stared at Khal with a confused expression.
He's seemingly highly immune to my trademark poison and can nullify my blessing, but now he's having such a strong reaction to just an okay ability.
Merlin, her hands trembling as she stared at Khal, conflicted. She bit down on her lip, regaining her composure.
Renold raised himself back up to his feet, a wide grin on his face.
"I see what's going on; not doing so good with light, are you? I don't know what changed from a few minutes ago but while we fought, you not only avoided getting too close to the torches and staying out of too much direct light, but since i was doing the same, i figured you were following me but now i see that light is somehow harmful to you now."
Perceptive bastard. Khal thought. Since i adapted Bane of shadows while merlin was knocked out, it didn't consider her a variable, and now i things are gonna get a bit tricky.
Khal looked over at merlin, seeing her trembling hands and frustrated expression. She was obviously showing doubt over the entire situation.
Or will it…
Khal ignored Renold, keeping his focus on Merlin.
"I hold no grudge with you, Merlin; stay out of this. You already stated you don't want a fight. If you keep interfering, i will have no choice but to also view you as an enemy. His tone, dark, his glare while he spoke, menacing.
Merlin looked down at the ground, tugging her staff, before looking back up at Khal, her expression resolute, unphased by his threat.
"I'm sorry but that's just not going to happen. My sister failed to enter Ascension and is now in a life-threatening state. without the family head's help, she will die in a few months, and the only way to gain his help is if i make sure the genesis shard returns with Renold."
Renold laughed, walking over to Merlin and slinging his hand over her neck.
"You heard the girl; now stop begging for your life and start begging me to end it, what i have in store for you will make you wish i killed you."
Khal ignored Renold's taunts; both his and Merlin's gazes locked together. Khal broke his gaze letting out an exasperated sigh.
"So be it… If this is how you stand, let us say no more words."
Khal lifted his fist before his face, preparing for what's to come.
In all honesty, even after all she's done, i have no urge to kill her. i actually think its quite poetic to put your life on the line for someone you care about… But still.
Khal's expression became dark, mana seeping out of his body.
Just as how she would do anything for another, i will do whatever it is for myself, no matter how selfish and no matter who i hurt. That is the mindset i have always had and will always have, so no matter who it is, as long as you threaten my life…
Then i will take yours.