Chapter 231: Battle's End

Chapter 231: Battle's End



What were the major determining factors of a dragon's strength?

There were many factors one could consider, such as the density of their scales, the strength of their aura, or the density and sheer amount of their mana. However, the factors everyone could understand and all could agree on were the quality of their bloodline and their

bloodline ability.

Naturally, those with the purest bloodline were the royal family, and below them were the clan families.

Among all others, the quality of a dragon's bloodline and their bloodline ability could almost be considered the core determinants of a dragon's strength. But there have been many cases in dragon history where those with a poor bloodline or weak bloodline ability rose to possess strength that easily rivaled the celestials.

In those cases, they either continuously evolved, with their bodies adapting and becoming more resilient, or they came to comprehend a celestial ability, a means to manipulate cosmic laws. However, such cases were rare, and it is believed that the number of dragons who achieved this could be counted on one hand.

Whatever the case, one fact remained:

They all had bodies.

Without a body, they wouldn't possess their dragon eyes, which allowed them to be far more perceptive and learn faster than other races, or their dragon crest, which not only greatly enhanced their physical and magical capabilities but also, of course, their bloodline ability. Without all this, Alexei, as he was now, couldn't possibly be compared to when he was alive. Now, he was simply a skeleton, with his soul controlling his movements through his hovering core in his chest.

In his current state, he couldn't possibly boost his strength in battle, though he could enhance his movement speed due to his understanding of the mana principles that created lightning.

But in a battle against a living opponent who could match his speed, it wouldn't do much to prevent his demise.

...

Alexei's grip tightened on his sword, the blue lightning crackling more intensely around him. His body seemed to tremble, not from fear, but from the strain of pushing himself far beyond what it could handle.n/ô/vel/b//jn dot c//om

"Do you really think... a crack in my bones will stop me?" he asked, his flame-blue eyes blazing with defiance.

"Cracked bones or not, I'll end you, human."

Xaiver, still calm, shook his head slightly, narrowing his eyes as he held his sword low.

"Go ahead and try; let's see how that plays out."

For a moment, they both remained silent.

Suddenly, Alexei spoke up again as his hand tightened on the hilt of his sword.

"Valor-Void Sword Art, First Form: Sky Sever!"

With a burst of speed, Alexei pushed off his back foot, his body surging forward. His sword swept upward in a vertical arc from the ground to the sky, cleaving the air with a trail of crackling blue energy. The force of the strike was immense, the arc aimed to slice through Xaiver from hip to shoulder.

clenched his teeth, but his flame-blue eyes remained locked on Xaiver.

Xaiver, now standing a few feet away, could see the toll the attacks were taking on Alexei's

body. "You're pushing yourself to the edge."

"You'll break before I do."

Alexei snarled, ignoring the warning. He raised his sword again, blue lightning crackling even

more fiercely around him. His stance shifted.

"Valor-Void Sword Art, Fourth Form: Horizon Split-"

Just as he was about to launch another charged attack, his left leg gave way entirely, the bones cracking under the pressure. He staggered, barely able to remain standing, and in that split second, Xaiver closed the distance between them.

Alexei's attention snapped back to him, regaining his footing swiftly, but his legs were now shaky. He and the human continued to clash blades, yet Alexei could no longer keep up with

the relentless attacks.

Xaiver kept finding openings to exploit, dealing more damage and further weakening Alexei.

Xaiver 's attacks seemed to be getting faster, but in reality, Alexei was slowing down from the accumulated damage. He landed a hard slash across Alexei's ribs, cracking the bone beneath his armor. Following up, he delivered a quick strike to Alexei's left shoulder, slicing through his armor and nearly severing his arm.

In a blur of motion, Xaiver ducked under Alexei's next swing, pivoting to sweep his sword horizontally. The blade severed Alexei's left leg at the knee. Before Alexei could regain balance, Xaiver struck again, cutting through his left arm entirely.

Alexei, his body crumbling, collapsed to his knees, his remaining limbs trembling under his

weight.

Xaiver stood over him, his green mana still flaring around him like an inferno, his gaze

intense as he looked down at the defeated warrior.

Xaiver's sword hovered just above Alexei as he spoke. "It's over."

"This battle ends now."

For a moment, neither of them moved. Finally, Alexei released his sword, the metal clanging

to the floor as its runes dimmed.

Alexei then spoke, "Go ahead."