The clash between Stormrift and the Crimson Thorn Domain raged into its second day. Both sides had suffered losses, but Stormrift's adaptive strategies and unit evolutions had held back Varkus's overwhelming numbers.
Still, the enemy's elite ranks continued to push forward. Their brutal Bloodthorn Reavers began tearing through the flanks with vicious efficiency, striking fear into lesser units.
Selene floated above the battlefield within her Harmony Dome, a radiant field of energy enhancing her allies' strength and stamina. "Kaelen," she called through their link, "the center line is breaking. You'll need to anchor the command zone yourself."
Kaelen stood atop his steed—Stormpiercer, his lightning-armored warhorse—and surveyed the burning fields ahead.
The massive black tower of the Crimson Thorn Command Spire shimmered beyond the haze. And directly in front of it was Lord Varkus himself—an imposing figure cloaked in shadowy crimson armor, holding a spear that pulsed with the energy of corrupted souls.
[System Notification: Enemy Lord Varkus Dreadthorn – Domain Tier: Advanced]Title: Crimson ReaperUnique Ability: Soul Brand – Absorbs fallen troops to enhance statsSummons: Forbidden Beast – Skarvul, the Abyss-DrakeWarning: High-risk entity. Extreme caution advised.
Kaelen's eyes narrowed.
"It ends now."
As Kaelen rode into the heart of the battlefield, the soldiers parted. The ground itself rumbled beneath the meeting of two Lords.
Varkus removed his helmet, revealing jagged black markings carved across his face. His red eyes gleamed with disdain.
"So, you're the boy making noise in the rankings," he sneered. "I expected a frightened whelp. Instead, I find… a corpse-in-waiting."
Kaelen dismounted, his Stormblade crackling with layered enchantments.
"You talk too much for someone who's about to lose."
Varkus raised his spear. "Then try me, Stormrat."
The world around them dimmed as the System shifted into Lord Duel Mode—a temporary stasis affecting only the challengers and their summoned battlefields.
The terrain twisted. Kaelen's side surged with roaring thunderclouds, lightning crackling through jagged rocks. Varkus's side was a field of rot and thorns.
They clashed—lightning against bloodfire. Each strike sent out shockwaves that rattled the world. Kaelen's Stormblade surged with newly unlocked abilities:
[Skill Unlocked: Tempest Arc – Slash in a wide arc, chaining lightning to multiple targets.]
Varkus responded with corrupted power:
[Skill Activated: Soul Rend – Ignores 30% of opponent's defense for 5 seconds.]
Blood sprayed. The ground cracked.
But Kaelen fought with more than strength. He fought with purpose.
"I won't lose," he growled, "not when my sister believes in me—not when my people are watching!"
Varkus's smile widened. "Then let me show you despair."
He plunged his spear into the ground and roared:
[Summon Activated: Forbidden Tier-3 – Skarvul, the Abyss-Drake]
A rift opened in the sky. From it descended a monstrous drake—massive, with wings of tattered shadow and a maw that dripped voidfire.
The temperature plummeted. Even elite Stormrift troops outside the duel sphere began to feel the oppressive presence.
Kaelen's brows furrowed.
[System Notice: Summon Skarvul is a corrupted evolution. Warning: High corruption may break System rules.]
Selene's voice rang in his mind. "That summon—it's from the Forbidden Codex. If you fall, your Domain becomes his!"
Aria, still engaged in aerial battle, gasped. "Brother—watch out!"
Kaelen took a deep breath. "Then it's time I summoned my trump card."
Kaelen raised his sword high and activated his Domain Core:
[Evolution Tree Activated: Storm Sovereign's Champion – Unique Lord Path Unlocked]
Summon: Astrael – Titan of the SkyforgeType: Legendary Construct Titan (Tier-3)Abilities: Skyforge Cannon, Shock Nova, Barrier of Eternity
From the clouds, a massive construct descended—part elemental, part mechanical, bound in sigils and celestial armor. It landed with a boom that shook the entire battlefield.
Astrael's cannon hummed to life, targeting Skarvul.
Kaelen's eyes glowed with power as he shouted, "Astrael—FIRE!"
A beam of condensed skyfire erupted from the titan's cannon, colliding with the Abyss-Drake mid-charge. Skarvul roared as its flesh burned and scales cracked.
The two massive summons collided in an earth-shaking duel—Astrael's fists glowing with plasma, Skarvul breathing torrents of corrupted flame.
Kaelen didn't waste the opening.
He dashed forward, blade glowing, and struck Varkus with everything he had. They exchanged blows in a blur of speed and rage, but the tide had turned.
With a final upward slash, Kaelen severed Varkus's corrupted spear and slammed him into the dirt.
[Enemy Lord Varkus Defeated – Duel Complete]Victory ConfirmedCrimson Thorn Domain Forfeits Territory to StormriftRewards Unlocked: Elite Resource Nodes (x3), System Favor +1, New Territory Unlocked
The battlefield shimmered and stabilized.
Stormrift's forces erupted into cheers as banners of crimson fell and blue lightning surged across the newly claimed land.
Selene ran to Kaelen, throwing her arms around him. "You did it!"
He coughed once, bruised but smiling. "We did it."
From the skies, Astrael knelt beside him, folding its massive arms like a protective sentinel.
Aria landed beside Eon, grinning ear to ear. "Looks like we're not just surviving—we're winning."
Kaelen looked toward the horizon, eyes reflecting the golden dawn breaking through the storm.
"This is just the beginning."