Shadows of Ascension

77. Aiden's Descent

Luca and Aiden clash with the enemy, their strikes wild and unrelenting. The force of their battle stirs the desert winds, sending sand spiraling into the sky. For a brief moment, they exchange a glance—silent understanding passing between them—before launching another fierce attack. 

But the enemy is too fast. Aiden can feel his movements, but keeping up is another story. 

"Luca… I can’t hold on much longer," Aiden grits through his teeth, dodging a strike by mere inches. "We need to end this, now." 

"He’s stronger than us," Luca admits, barely managing to block an incoming attack. "And worse… if other hunters see this fight, they’ll come for us too." 

"Focus on the fight!" their opponent snarls, slashing across both their chests. 

Luca stumbles but grits his teeth. "We’ll finish this with the next attack. It’s going to be chaotic, so we need to leave immediately after." 

Aiden nods. No more hesitation. 

They charge their aura, unleashing their full power. Luca syncs his movements with Aiden’s, trusting him to guide their strikes. The enemy is still invisible—Aiden is their only chance. 

But even at their peak, the opponent is still faster. 

Their attacks are deflected. The next thing they know, searing pain rips through their bodies as they’re slashed and sent crashing to the ground. 

"Guys!" Riona rushes forward. 

The enemy doesn’t hesitate—he dashes towards her and slashes her down as well. 

The three of them collapse into the sand, panting. 

"Not only is he invisible…" Luca struggles to lift himself up. "He’s also… unbelievably strong." 

That feeling… 

Aiden’s body trembles as he grips his sword tighter. The burning sensation in his chest—it’s rage. 

Master Yun’s words… I must let it consume me. 

"What did you say, Aiden?" Riona groans, still struggling to get up. 

Before he can answer, the opponent lunges—his sword flashing in the darkness. 

Aiden doesn’t dodge. 

Instead, he blocks the attack. 

A wave of dark energy pulses around him. 

Luca’s eyes widen. That aura… 

I’ve felt it before. 

So this is it, huh? The sudden bursts of power Aiden had before—they weren’t luck. They weren’t some random surge of adrenaline. 

They were his shadow powers. 

Aiden releases an overwhelming aura, and then— 

He lunges. 

His movements are erratic, completely unlike his usual calculated strikes. He swings wildly, striking the enemy over and over. 

To Luca and Riona, it looks like he’s fighting air. Their opponent is still invisible, but Aiden—he sees him. 

"Something’s wrong," Riona whispers. "He’s not fighting like usual. Luca, what is it?" 

Luca glances at her but says nothing. 

"Tell me!" she demands, but he only stares blankly. 

His hands tremble. 

"The enemy was too strong," Luca murmurs. 

He exhales, watching Aiden fight with unnatural aggression. 

"But he’s about to meet his demise." 

Riona’s breath catches. "What do you mean?" 

Luca grips his sword tightly, his expression grim. 

"The one fighting right now… that’s not Aiden."