Chapter 268 Atlas's Power

Marcus stood there, watching in awe as Orion's Crystal Rhinoceros, Atlas, charged forward with incredible speed and power. He had never seen such a magnificent beast before, and he couldn't help but feel a twinge of fear in his heart.

Despite his fear, Marcus was determined to stand his ground. He knew that he was a formidable opponent, and he was confident in his abilities. With a deep breath, he focused his energy, allowing the Qi to flow through his body.

"Orion, I admit that you are strong," Marcus said, his voice filled with conviction, "but you will not be able to defeat me."

As he spoke, the Qi around him began to rise, swirling around his body like a whirlwind. His eyes glinted with fierce determination, and his shadow leopard prowled at his side, ready to strike.

"Panther Master!" Marcus shouted, channeling his talent. His talent allowed him to enhance panther-type beasts, increasing their strength and agility. With a surge of power, his shadow leopard grew even larger and more muscular, its eyes glowing with an otherworldly light.

Orion watched the transformation with a detached air, his attention solely focused on Atlas and the battle at hand. He had seen many transformations before, and he knew that they were not always an indicator of true strength.

He could feel the power emanating from Marcus, and he knew that he was not to be underestimated. But Orion was confident in his own abilities and those of his beast. Atlas had been trained and honed to perfection, and he was ready to face any challenge.

Orion didn't waste any time and immediately commanded his beast, "Atlas, Crystal Charge!" With a thunderous roar, Atlas charged forward, his massive crystal horn leading the way. The ground trembled beneath his hooves as he barreled toward Marcus and his shadow leopard.

Marcus didn't back down either. He knew that this was the moment he had been training for, and he was not about to let it slip away. "Shadow Leopard, Shadow Claw!" he shouted, and his beast lunged forward, its razor-sharp claws glowing with eerie shadowy energy.

The two beasts collided with a deafening crash, sending shockwaves rippling through the air. The crystal horn of Atlas struck the shadow leopard head-on, but Marcus had anticipated the attack and had ordered his beast to dodge at the last moment.

The shadow leopard's claws raked across Atlas's hide, leaving deep gouges in their wake. Atlas let out a bellow of rage and pain, but he didn't slow down. He continued charging forward, his crystal horn gleaming in the sunlight.

Marcus saw the horn coming and ordered his shadow leopard to jump to the side. The massive crystal horn struck the ground where the shadow leopard had been just a moment before, sending shards of crystal flying in all directions.

But Marcus didn't hesitate. He knew that he had to keep moving, keep attacking. He ordered his shadow leopard to circle around behind Atlas, where he would be more vulnerable.

"Shadow Blast!" Marcus yelled, and his shadow leopard began to charge up its attack. Dark energy gathered in the beast's mouth, coalescing into a ball of shadowy power.

Orion, ever calm and collected, simply said, "Crystal Armor." A shimmering aura of crystal energy enveloped Atlas, protecting him from the incoming attack.

The shadow blast struck Atlas head-on, but the crystal armor absorbed most of the impact. Marcus cursed under his breath, knowing that he needed to come up with a new strategy. He charged forward, wielding his sword, and he was thinking of killing Orion to end the battle once and for all.

Orion saw Marcus's approach and braced himself. He knew that this was a fight to the death, and he was prepared to do whatever it takes to emerge victorious. He commanded Atlas to turn and face Marcus, his crystal horn at the ready.

Marcus swung his sword with all his might, aiming for Atlas's horn. But the crystal was too hard, and the sword bounced harmlessly off it. Marcus cursed again, knowing that he was outmatched.

Orion saw the frustration on Marcus's face and took advantage of it. He ordered Atlas to charge forward again, aiming to impale Marcus on his horn. But Marcus was too quick, and he dodged to the side at the last moment.

The two opponents circled each other, each waiting for the other to make a move. Marcus knew that he couldn't keep dodging forever, but he was at a loss for what to do next. Orion, on the other hand, was biding his time, waiting for the perfect opportunity to strike.

Suddenly, Orion saw his opening. He ordered Atlas to rear up on his hind legs, his crystal hooves slashing through the air. Marcus tried to dodge, but it was too late. Atlas's hooves struck him with incredible force, sending him flying backward.

Marcus hit the ground hard, his body aching from the impact. He struggled to get back to his feet, but he knew that it was over. He had fought valiantly, but he had been outmatched by Orion and his powerful beast.

Orion walked calmly towards Marcus, his eyes fixed on him with a steely gaze. He had no intention of showing any mercy. He was determined to end this battle once and for all.

As he approached Marcus, he raised his hand and pointed it toward the shadow leopard. "Atlas, Crystal Spike," he commanded. A burst of energy shot from his fingertips, coalescing into a massive crystal spike that shot toward the shadow leopard.

The shadow leopard tried to dodge, but it was too late. The crystal spike impaled it through the chest, and it let out a final, mournful howl before falling to the ground, lifeless.

Marcus watched in horror as his companion was struck down. He felt a surge of anger rise within him, and he charged towards Orion, his sword raised high.

But Orion was strong, and he caught Marcus's sword with ease. He held it firmly in his grasp, his muscles bulging with power. He looked down at Marcus with a cold expression on his face, and said, "It's over."