Chapter 11: Corruption (Pt.2)

Waves of red mist tremor forth as the power of Duren's aura increases with every second.

'This must be that aura the thug was talking about earlier. It increased his strength enough to be able to withstand my killing blow. So it must be some kind of strengthening magic, based on the veins bulging out of every muscle in his body. I must be cautious.'

Lucian continues posturing as if he is an animal hunting for prey. His attention shifting to every tiny movement Duren's body makes. Examining his breathing, the sweat on his brow, and even the way his blood flows through his veins. His sense heightened by his newfound power, he continues his assessment, planning the next course of action.

"Voom!"

Lucian springs forward with an excessive amount of speed, powered by an explosion of lightning at his feet.

His hand positioned as if it were a blade. He charges forth, looking to recreate the same decapitating strike as earlier.

"Clang!"

Duren's knife deflects the blow. Lucian's excessive use of speed leaves him wide open mere inches from his target, just as before.

"Kyah!"

Duren uses the opening to grab Lucian by his tunic, thrusting him into the air with one arm and throwing him like a rocket at one of the nearby buildings.

"Boom!"

The force of the throw sends Lucian crashing into the building, cracking the wooden logs used in half. Blood erupts from Lucian's mouth as he is impounded into the wall.

"You think the same move is going to work twice, boy? Give up. You can't win this fight. An untrained kid fighting against a warrior. What a joke." Duren angrily shouts.

"You're wrong about one thing." Lucian replies in defiance.

Lucian climbs out of the logs, dazed as he wipes the blood from his lips.

'His speed hasn't increased. The red mist only increases his strength and durability. Let's see how he handles this one.'

Lightning begins to crackle around Lucian's body again, but smaller than before.

'This should surprise him.'

"Voom!"

Dashing forward once again. Lucian postures to repeat the previous strike.

"Rah!"

Duren prepares to block the strike again.

Lucian suddenly repositions himself in mid-air after his feint seems to be successful.

"Guh!"

Duren shouts in pain as Lucian slashes his hand diagonally across Duren's chest. Blood gushes from the deep wound as his blood is energized with electricity.

"You think I'd use the same move again? What a warrior." Lucian says, taunting at Duren's pride, attempting to dismantle his mental.

As Duren stands still shocked by the electricity flowing through his veins, Lucian begins his next course of attack. Slashing multiple times along the thug's arms and chest. Then finally creating a deep gash in his cheek.

"RUAH!" Duren screams in pain as anger consumes him.

Lucian continues slashing to his heart's content as Duren looks to be losing his will to fight.

"Kzzz!"

Suddenly, Duren's hand surges forth, grabbing Lucian's arm and shocking him in the process. Using his enhanced strength, he crushes Lucian's forearm in his grip.

"Crack!"

Lucian's arm goes limp as every bone in his left arm fractures under pressure. While he is suddenly thrust into the wall behind Duren with a crash.

"You think this is enough to beat ME?" Duren shouts triumphantly as he looks at Lucian's hunched-over figure near unconscious from the sudden impact.

Blood covers Duren's muscular bare chest, his green tunic shredded to bits from Lucian's attacks.

Duren takes his time walking towards Lucian as he plans his finishing blow for such an unworthy opponent.

His hands rush forth as he looks to grab Lucian by his throat while slowly crushing his windpipe.

"Voom!"

In the blink of an eye, Lucian's defeated look changes as his head jumps up and a devilish smile crosses his lips. As his right leg juts forward, slamming into Duren's chest, stunning him for a split second.

Duren gasps against the impact as Lucian flashes past the corner of his eyes towards his rear.

"Sssk!"

Lucian slashes with his right arm at Duren's ankle tendons, slicing both in two. While quickly jumping away from any retaliation.

"Hah! You think that kick could hurt me!?" Duren shouts as he turns toward Lucian. Suddenly collapsing as his legs shudder, unable to hold him upright.

Realization dawns on Duren as blood flows from his ankles and pain surges to his mind. He looks to Lucian with fear realizing his mistake in underestimating the boy.

"You were wrong to underestimate me."

"Kzz!"

The thug's eyes go wide as he begins to move his lips, cut short as Lucian slices him through.

Duren's head falls from his shoulders as a spout of blood erupts from where his head once rested.

"You underestimated me."

Lucian turns toward Layla as he looks upon her as the illusion of Julie continues to prevail. Dropping to his knees as the last of his adrenaline leaves his veins, and exhaustion begins to set in.

"Lucian!" Layla screams, running to him as he collapses, covered in blood.

His ears ringing from consecutive concussions, his eyes caress the illusion of his beautiful sister as it slowly fades. A lonely tear streaks down his cheek as Layla comes back to frame.

"Layla..." He sighs as his injuries begin to fight for his consciousness.

"Lucian! Are you okay!? Don't die Lucian. Don't die..." Layla sobs as Lucian's eyes close, and he collapses into her arms.

The last sounds he can hear are the jangling of chainmail as figures stride over...