Eclipsed

Chapter 46

Karaz glared at Valen and Aiko, his eyes filled with frustration and anger. He stood tall, gripping his weapon tightly. The air felt thick with tension, and the anticipation of the next move hung heavy.

Valen, his cloak stained with blood, wiped a streak of it from his forehead and smirked. "Not so tough now, huh?" he said, his voice light and mocking.

"Shut up!" Karaz shouted, his face twisted with rage.

With a sudden movement, Karaz lunged at Valen and Aiko, his blade aiming for them with terrifying speed. But Valen, agile and quick, expertly dodged each attack. His dual daggers moved like lightning, parrying Karaz's strikes and delivering precise counterattacks. Each of Valen's moves seemed to outmatch Karaz's, wearing him down.

Karaz's frustration grew, and he swung his blade again with all his might. Valen dodged the attack just in time, the blade missing by mere inches. But Karaz's movements were growing sloppier.

Seeing her chance, Aiko took a step forward. Her white hair flowing behind her like a gust of wind, she channeled her Hiraigen power into her blade. In one swift motion, she struck, sending a controlled burst of energy through her sword. The blast cut through the air and struck Karaz with enough force to knock him down, leaving him motionless on the ground.

Valen stood, catching his breath, his cloak still covered in blood. He wiped his brow and sighed, "Phew, well that was close."

Aiko stood quietly, her red eyes now focused on the defeated Karaz. She said nothing, her expression calm, almost distant.

Valen walked up to her, offering a grin. "Well, you're one tough kid."

Aiko didn't respond, her gaze still locked on the ground. She seemed lost in thought. After a moment, she spoke softly, her voice filled with concern. "Do you think Ren will be okay?"

Valen, seeing her genuine worry, softened his usual teasing tone. "He will be fine. We'll wait for him here."

Aiko nodded quietly, a small sign of relief washing over her as she looked toward the horizon. The battle was over, but there was still more ahead. The two stood together in silence, waiting for their friend to return.

Zhaakari stands tall, a towering figure cloaked in a flowing, pitch-black garment that seems to drink in the sparse light. His crimson eyes burn like molten coals, twin orbs of hatred and malevolent intelligence. His face is obscured by a hood, but his angular jawline and the faint glint of sharp teeth when he smirks betray his unnatural presence. His weapon, a jagged halberd forged from an obsidian-like material, gleams ominously, its surface etched with glowing red runes that pulse rhythmically, as if alive.

Zhaakari's voice echoes through the chamber, smooth yet chilling. "I can sense it. You're powerful. A strong human, indeed."

Ren's grip on his katana tightens, and without a word, he surges forward, his blade a blur. The clash begins. Zhaakari sidesteps Ren's opening strike with almost casual ease, his halberd spinning in a defensive arc. Sparks fly as their weapons meet, the metallic clang echoing through the chamber.

Zhaakari counters swiftly, thrusting the butt of his halberd toward Ren's midsection. Ren twists his body, narrowly avoiding the blow, and retaliates with a swift horizontal slash aimed at Zhaakari's side. The cloaked figure leaps backward, the movement unnaturally fluid, creating a wide gap between them.

Zhaakari's lips curl into a faint smile. "Not bad, kid. But you'll have to do better than that."

Ren doesn't respond. His eyes are locked on Zhaakari, analyzing every movement. He dashes forward again, his katana flashing in a series of rapid strikes. Each swing is precise, aiming for Zhaakari's weak points. Zhaakari parries with his halberd, the runes on the weapon glowing brighter with each clash. The room reverberates with the force of their combat.