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Chapter 106 - Chapter 106: Strange Vs. Kordath (2)

[Third Person's PoV] 

The ground beneath Kordath splintered as he surged toward Stephen, his fist becoming a blur as it hammered at his opponent. Stephen evaded rapidly, his form turning into a blur as well, each of Kordath's punches creating powerful gusts of wind from their sheer force.

Stephen leaped back and conjured three overlapping Eldritch Magic circles in front of him. From their center, a large beam of Eldritch energy shot toward Kordath. However, Kordath stood tall, letting the beam streak past him.

BOOM!

A massive orange cloud erupted behind Kordath as he grinned. Before Kordath could attack again, Stephen asked, "Why aren't you using your magic? Stop making this boring."

Kordath scoffed disdainfully. "You aren't worthy of witnessing Atlantean Magic. It would be a disgrace to use such power against you."

Stephen grinned, intrigued. "Well now, you're making me curious." Six magic circles appeared, three on each side, stacked in front of him. He thrust his fists into them, causing the circles to spin and lock into place.

In an instant, Kordath turned into a blur and appeared beside Stephen, launching a side kick toward his head. Stephen raised his forearm to block, the impact creating a shockwave that sent his cloak fluttering wildly.

Kordath transitioned into a relentless flurry of punches, thrusts, and slashes. Stephen's eyes darted around as he focused, redirecting and deflecting each attack with precision. The two became a blur of movement, their clash marked only by the sound of flesh colliding.

Stephen seized one of Kordath's massive fists, thrusting his magic circles toward them. The circles expanded, locking onto Kordath's hands. With a flick of his wrists, Stephen spread Kordath's arms apart.

Curling his fingers into claws, Stephen invoked, "I invoke the Demon-Claws of Denak!"

[Arcane Magic: Demon-Claws of Denak]

A yellow-orange hue enveloped Stephen's arms as they grew in size. He thrust his hands forward, releasing two claw constructs that sank deeply into Kordath's flesh, creating large, bleeding wounds.

Kordath grimaced in annoyance, flexing his muscles until the magic circles binding him shattered. Grabbing the claws embedded in his body, he ripped them out with a pained grunt, blood spilling from his wounds. He discarded the claws, clenched his fists, and flexed again, forcing the bleeding to stop as his skin twisted and healed itself.

With a burst of power, Kordath launched himself at Stephen, his eyes burning with hatred. Stephen, sensing Kordath's ki, anticipated the attack. He made a beckoning motion and crossed his forearms in an X, summoning the demon claws to mimic his stance.

PANG!

The sound reverberated like a gong ringing as the two clashed, the claws holding Kordath at bay.

Stephen thrust his crossed forearms forward, and the Demon-Claws mirrored his actions, pushing Kordath's arms aside. With a swift motion, Stephen opened his arms and slashed toward Kordath, who maneuvered his large frame out of the way just in time. Another slash followed, and Kordath dodged once more.

Stephen extended two fingers, moving them like a conductor orchestrating a symphony. The Demon-Claws blurred into a yellow-orange streak, moving at high speed. Kordath and the Demon-Claws left afterimages as they danced around each other. Kordath leaped back, one of the Demon-Claws tearing through the ground before erupting toward him in a spray of rubble. Kordath leaned back at an unnatural angle, narrowly dodging, though the claws left a gash on his cheek and cut a strand of his long blue hair.

Stephen appeared above him, arms in motion as a magic circle formed. From it, a beam of Eldritch energy shot directly at Kordath.

BOOM!

An orange explosion engulfed Kordath, shaking the mirror dimension. His charred figure emerged from the cloud, charging forward. Stephen quickly summoned an Eldritch shield, but Kordath, renowned for his monstrous strength, shattered it with a punch, sending Stephen flying. Stephen hit the ground, blood dripping from his mouth. He spat to the side, grinning to reveal bloody teeth.

The ground around them began to shift, surprising Kordath. Stephen clapped his hands together, and two large buildings flew along the shifting ground, crashing together with Kordath caught in between. The ground continued to move, disorienting Kordath as their positions constantly changed. He glanced up to see the buildings looming above him, while the ocean appeared at an odd angle.

Stephen made a sweeping motion, and the buildings began descending rapidly, converging toward Kordath. Despite his growing frustration, Kordath couldn't help but feel impressed. As the buildings collided, they shattered into rubble, scattering in all directions. Kordath stood his ground, now enhanced by his magic. A silvery-blue aura enveloped him, his hair flowing elegantly, and his eyes glowing a deep blue.

"You," Kordath called out, narrowing his eyes in suspicion, "You aren't just an ordinary wizard."

Stephen conjured two magic circles in his palms, slapping them together as he invoked, "I evoke the blessed Seven Suns of Cinnibus." He then addressed Kordath.

"That's because I'm not a wizard... I am a Sorcerer."

[Arcane Magic: Seven Suns of Cinnibus]

Stephen spread his arms, and between his hands, seven radiant suns materialized, each shining and burning brilliantly.

Stephen moved his hands in a circular motion above him, causing the seven suns to orbit around him, creating a mesmerizing spectacle. As he floated upward, the main sun in front of him unleashed a beam of penetrating light at lightning speed. 

Kordath barely had time to react; though he attempted to dodge, a large part of his side was seared away.

Gritting his teeth to mask the pain, Kordath glanced at the wound, where skin and muscle seemed to have vanished from his body. His mind raced, 'I was enhancing my body with magic, and yet...' He realized the danger he was in, 'He's more powerful than I anticipated.'

Stephen sent the orbiting suns hurtling forward. They soared through the air, raining down beams of intense light.

Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom! Boom!

Explosions erupted as beams of light struck the ground, creating a war-torn landscape of craters and blinding flashes. Kordath pushed himself to the limit, dodging the relentless assault. When the attack subsided, Kordath stood panting, his body riddled with cauterized wounds. Despite the damage, none of the injuries bled, as the beams had sealed the wounds upon contact.

Stephen summoned the suns back to himself, playfully rotating them around his hands. He smiled and asked, "Now then, am I worthy enough to witness this so-called Atlantean Magic?"

Kordath scoffed, seemingly unfazed by his injuries. "You are... Which is why I'll make you a proposition."

Stephen raised an eyebrow. "No thanks. I'm only interested in your magic."

Kordath's expression turned serious. "I'm sure you'll want to hear what I have to say," he continued, not waiting for Stephen's response. "Become my slave!"

Stephen froze, as did the orbiting suns. "Excuse me?"

"You heard me!" Kordath declared proudly. "You are the first human to ever pique my interest! It's unfortunate that I might have to kill you. But if you become my slave, I won't have to resort to my magic. This offer is for your own good."

Stephen stared at him, stunned. After a moment, he sighed and massaged his forehead. "He's serious... How do I even respond to that?" he muttered to himself.

The suns around Stephen suddenly burned brighter, their heat intensifying. His eyes flared a fiery red as he looked at Kordath with a cold, piercing gaze. "Have you perhaps lost your mind?" Stephen asked softly, his voice devoid of emotion.

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