Kael's palm hovered above Alden and Seraphina, void energy surging like a collapsing star. The battlefield had become unrecognizable—craters, shattered ground, and lingering distortions of space where Kael's power had torn through reality itself.
Alden gritted his teeth, forcing himself to stand despite his battered body. Seraphina, her divine aura flickering, struggled to lift her blade. They had fought countless battles, faced beings beyond mortal comprehension, but this—this was different.
Kael sighed. "Still getting up?" His voice was almost bored. "You already know how this ends."
Alden spat blood and tightened his grip on his spear. "Maybe," he admitted, "but I don't care."With a roar, he launched himself at Kael, his spear igniting with golden flames. Seraphina followed a heartbeat later, her blade burning with holy light.
Kael smirked. "Fine. One last struggle."
The three clashed. The impact shattered the ground, sending shockwaves across the battlefield. Kael weaved through their attacks effortlessly, dodging and countering with void-infused strikes. Every touch of his power eroded their divine essence, slowly consuming them.
Alden's spear slashed toward Kael's throat, but Kael caught it mid-swing, gripping the shaft tightly. Shadows crawled up the weapon, eating away at its divine glow.
Seraphina appeared behind him in an instant, thrusting her sword at his back. Kael twisted, letting go of Alden's spear just in time to block her attack with his forearm. The blade bit into his flesh, but instead of blood, only darkness spilled out.
Kael grinned. "Not bad."
His knee shot up, slamming into Seraphina's stomach. She gasped as the impact sent her flying. Alden used the opening, summoning a golden chain once more, wrapping it around Kael's wrist and yanking him forward.
Kael allowed it.
Before Alden could react, Kael grabbed him by the throat. The world around them darkened as Kael's grip tightened. Alden gasped, divine energy flickering as the void seeped into him.
Seraphina, coughing, forced herself up. She raised her sword, gathering the last of her strength.
Kael glanced at her. "Desperate, aren't you?"
He tossed Alden aside like a broken doll and turned fully toward her.
Seraphina's body trembled, but her eyes burned with defiance. "I won't let you—"
Before she could finish, Kael vanished.
A moment later, she felt a sharp pain in her abdomen.
Kael stood behind her, his arm impaled through her stomach, void energy dripping from his fingertips.
Seraphina's breath hitched. She looked down, seeing the darkness spreading through her body, devouring her divine essence from the inside.
Kael leaned close, whispering into her ear. "Good fight."
Then, he pulled his arm back.
Seraphina collapsed to her knees, her vision fading. The sky above seemed to darken further.
Alden, barely conscious, watched in horror.
Kael turned toward him, stepping forward, his expression unreadable.
The battle was over.
And the gods had lost.