Erend dashed toward Theron, his feet barely touching the ground as he closed the distance. Theron had landed after the impact. His face twisted into a snarl of pure hatred after what Erend did to him. The dark energy around him flared then crimson and black tendrils wrapping tighter around his body like living shadows. He braced himself as Erend approached.
In the next instant they collided. No weapons, just raw strength and speed. Fists and claws clashed each blow shaking the ground beneath them and sending shockwaves across the battlefield.
Their movements were a blur and each attack met with equal force of their enemy. Their power almost perfectly matched.
Trees cracked and splintered under the pressure of their fight. The forest around them torn apart as they exchanged blows. Neither gaining a clear advantage.
Erend's fist slammed into Theron's side. The impact sending a ripple through Theron's blood cloa but Theron retaliated just as quickly. His clawed hand striking Erend's chest raking against his scales with a force that would have shattered ordinary armor. Sparks flew as his Dragon scales met blood-forged claws. But Erend also stood firmand eyes blazing with determination to end him quick.
Theron suddenly leapt back. His feet digging into the scorched earth. His breath coming in ragged gasps now. It is the first time since he appeared again in this world.
His eyes narrowed, filled with loathing, as he realized Erend was not backing down.
"You think you can stop me, Dragonborn?!" Theron spat, his voice dripping with venom. "I carry the Great Calamity's will. You will fall, just like the rest."
Erend unphased by the threat. "I've faced worse."
At that moment Erend realized that this harbinger must be receiving the information about him from the Great Calamity. This could be dangerous. Later, if the next harbinger arrived they will know about him from his previous battle.
But he just need to worry about it later.
"HAAAAA!!!"
With a roar, Theron lunged forward again. His speed increasing as he summoned more from the Great Power, but Erend met him head-on once more, their fists crashing together, sending out another devastating shockwave.
Suddenly, Erend moved and stepped back. He knew he couldn't reveal too much of his power just yet, Theron will gauging his every move and sending the information to the Great Calamity. His fists relaxed slightly as he pivoted away from Theron's next attack, dodging a vicious swipe.
He glanced toward Adrius and Lysander and said. "You guys still able to fight?" he shouted, his voice cutting through the chaotic battlefield.
Adrius. wiped the sweat from his brow and shook his head. "I need more time... I'm drained."
"I've regained my power," Adrius's voice echoed in his thoughts. "Lure him to the marked spot. I'll take care of the rest."
Erend nodded subtly. He keep his focus remaining on Theron who was too engrossed in the fight to notice.
"Time to set the trap."
With a calculated shift in his movements, Erend began to give ground. His strikes still hit hard but his steps were deliberate. He was guiding Theron toward the spot Adrius had mentioned. Theron followed, his face twisted in frustration and he just mistaking Erend's retreat for a sign of weakness.
"Running again, Dragonborn? Is this all you can do?!" Theron sneered, his voice dripping with contempt as he pressed forward.
Erend gave a half-smirk. "Your blood armor smells disgusting. It makes me want to puke."
Theron snarled again and push his attack.
The battlefield was a ruin of broken trees and scorched earth. Yet there was one section of ground that remained undisturbed, a small patch that seemed insignificant.
Erend danced just out of reach, luring Theron closer with every step. The moment came quickly.
Theron lunged forward eager to crush Erend under his attack quickly. But the instant his foot hit the prepared ground the earth beneath him trembled.
Suddenly, the ground shifted and warped. The dirt and stones pulling in around Theron's legs like a living entity. His eyes widened in shock as his feet sank into the earth, trapping him in place. He struggled, but the more he fought the tighter the earth's grip became.
"Wha—What is this?!" Theron growled.
Erend's smile grew wide, almost feral. "You're not going anywhere."
Wasting no time, Erend surged forward with explosive speed. His fists rained down on Theron in a flurry of powerful punches. Each one driving deeper into Theron's defense.
Theron roared in anger and pain, his body jerking with each blow, but Erend didn't let up. The wild grin never left his face as his fists pounded into Theron's trapped form, relishing the advantage he had gained.
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