🔥 Chapter 9 — Ultimate Technique
The battlefield quaked under the intensity of Kael's Ember and the general's green energy. The northern highlands were scarred with shattered ice, scorched stone, and swirling arcs of fire and light. Kael had forced the general into a corner, but the green energy pulsed ominously, signaling a hidden, desperate power.
Rhyne shouted over the roar of collisions, "Kael! He's preparing something! I can feel it! Get ready!"
Kael's eyes narrowed, Ember coiling like a storm along his arms. "I know… he's hiding his ultimate technique. I can sense the buildup—but I need to force it out on my terms."
The general hissed, energy whipping violently around him. Suddenly, the air distorted, and a massive surge of emerald power erupted, creating a dome that warped the battlefield. The ground cracked, ice shattered, and spikes of energy shot outward, forcing Kael and Rhyne to leap back.
"This… this is it!" Rhyne shouted. "His ultimate technique—be careful!"
Kael's Ember flared violently, flames spiraling faster than ever, forming blades, whips, and protective barriers that moved as extensions of his will. He felt the rhythm of the surge, and instinctively flowed with it, dodging, redirecting, and countering simultaneously.
The general roared, the dome of energy pulsing with destructive force. Kael realized that raw power alone wouldn't break it; he had to adapt. Closing his eyes briefly, he let the Ember guide him completely, molding his attacks to anticipate the dome's distortions.
With a focused surge, Kael unleashed a spiraling spear of concentrated Emberfire at the core of the dome, twisting around the energy barriers. Sparks and emerald light collided violently as the general struggled to maintain control.
The dome fractured, and the general staggered, chest heaving, energy flickering. Kael's flames coiled around him protectively, still pulsing with anticipation.
Rhyne landed beside him, eyes wide. "You… you survived it—and countered! That's incredible!"
Kael's gaze hardened, Ember burning fiercely. "This fight isn't over yet. He's strong, but now I know… I can match him. And I'll push further."
The battlefield shook with energy, fire, and shadow, marking the climax of the duel—and the awakening of Kael's full Ember potential.