Chapter 86: Clash of the Stormbringers
The morning air is crisp, the sunlight barely piercing through the cloudy sky as the group gathers at the edge of the training grounds. The scent of ozone already lingers in the air as two combatants prepare to face off.
Jack: (grinning, stretching his arms) "You ready for this? Don't start crying when I leave you in the dust."
Liam: (smirking back, electricity sparking around his fingertips) "Save the trash talk for after you've won, Jack. That is, if you even can."
The arena is a simple dirt clearing surrounded by tall trees. Everyone else steps back to form a wide circle, giving the duelists space.
Dakota: (leaning against a tree, watching intently) "Show me what you've got. No holding back."
Luna: (wringing her hands nervously) "This feels... dangerous. What if one of them gets hurt?"
Mia: (calmly) "Relax. They need to push themselves. Besides, a little danger is good for growth."
The tension in the air is palpable as both Liam and Jack begin to channel their magic. Brilliant blue lightning arcs from their hands, crackling with intensity. The ground beneath them begins to scorch as their magic builds.
Lucas: (grinning) "This is going to be one hell of a fight."
---
The duel begins with a flash. Jack makes the first move, unleashing a jagged bolt of blue lightning aimed directly at Liam. Liam sidesteps with practiced ease, countering with a barrage of smaller, rapid-fire bolts that force Jack to dodge and weave.
Henry: (observing, arms crossed) "Jack's going for power, but Liam's faster. This could go either way."
Jack: (gritting his teeth, charging forward) "Stop running and fight me head-on!"
Liam: (laughing) "Only if you can catch me!"
Liam leaps into the air, his movements swift and fluid. He releases a concentrated burst of lightning from above, forcing Jack to raise a shield of crackling blue energy. The two forces collide, sending shockwaves rippling through the arena.
---
Jack, not to be outdone, conjures a spear of lightning in his hand, the weapon crackling with barely contained energy. He hurls it at Liam with incredible speed. Liam reacts just in time, deflecting the spear with a blade of his own magic.
Mia: (eyes wide) "They've been holding out on us. When did they learn to do that?"
Dakota: (quietly, almost to himself) "They've been training harder than I thought. Still… they're not at their limits yet."
The fight becomes a blur of motion and light. Jack closes the distance between them, striking with a flurry of electrified punches. Liam counters each blow, their clashes creating thunderous cracks that echo through the forest.
Jack: (grinning through the strain) "Not bad, Liam. But let's see how you handle this!"
Jack plants his feet firmly and channels his energy into the ground. The earth beneath Liam erupts as a surge of lightning explodes upward, forcing Liam to leap back. Jack takes the opportunity to press the attack, his movements relentless.
---
Both fighters are breathing heavily now, their magic reserves clearly strained but their determination unwavering. They step back to create space, their eyes locked.
Liam: (smirking) "Guess we're evenly matched. How about we end this with one last move?"
Jack: (grinning) "Thought you'd never ask."
The air around them grows heavy with anticipation as they prepare their final attacks. Jack's lightning swirls around him, forming a massive vortex of energy. Liam mirrors the move, his own vortex growing equally powerful. The spectators step back even further, the sheer force of their magic making the ground tremble.
Luna: (alarmed) "This is too much! They're going to hurt themselves!"
Dakota: (calmly) "No. They'll be fine. This is how they grow stronger."
With a shout, both Jack and Liam release their attacks simultaneously. Twin beams of blue lightning streak across the arena, colliding in a brilliant explosion of light and sound. The force of the clash sends a shockwave outward, knocking over nearby trees and kicking up a cloud of dust.
When the dust settles, Jack is kneeling on the ground, panting heavily. Liam stands, barely able to stay on his feet, his expression triumphant.
Liam: (smiling weakly) "Looks like I win."
Jack: (laughing despite his exhaustion) "Yeah, yeah. Don't get used to it."
Liam extends a hand to help Jack up, and the two shake hands, their rivalry replaced by mutual respect. The group cheers, relieved that the duel ended without serious injuries.
---
As the group gathers to congratulate Jack and Liam, Dakota steps away, his eyes scanning the treeline. His instincts scream that something is wrong.
Henry: (noticing Dakota's unease) "What's wrong?"
Dakota: (quietly) "We're not alone."
Henry follows Dakota's gaze, his hand instinctively moving to his sword. Together, they slip into the shadows of the forest, their movements silent and deliberate.
Deeper in the woods, Dakota suddenly stops, his eyes narrowing as he senses a presence nearby.
Dakota: (low voice) "Come out. I know you're there."
There's a rustle of leaves, and a cloaked figure steps into view. His face is obscured, but the dark aura radiating from him is unmistakable.
Mysterious Figure: (chuckling) "You're sharper than I expected. Impressive."
Henry: (drawing his sword) "Who are you? What do you want?"
Mysterious Figure: (ignoring Henry, addressing Dakota) "You've altered the course of this world, God of This World. But even gods cannot escape what's coming."
Dakota's eyes narrow, but he says nothing. The figure steps back into the shadows, disappearing as suddenly as he appeared.
Henry: (sheathing his sword) "Who was that?"
Dakota: (quietly) "Someone who knows too much."
As Dakota and Henry return to the group, the celebration winds down. But Dakota's mind is elsewhere, his thoughts racing. The figure's words linger in his mind, a grim reminder of the challenges yet to come.
Dakota: (to himself) "The future isn't set. I'll make sure of that."
Dakota's determined gaze fixed on the horizon, the storm of uncertainty brewing once more.
Dakota: "this is really bad, why did he call me the god of this world? Dose he know that this is a novel world that I created? Then who could have told him and the witch that?... I guess I'll find out in the future".