In Which Even the Mighty Fall

"I will not sit by idly! You all will die... and by my hand!"

Erupting Volcano clenched his fist, the yellow-orange substance flashed and began to change. The temperature increased even further, a wave of heat assaulted the three. The substance then turned pure white, with spots of yellow found amongst it.

It's heat made it almost pure white! Erupting Volcano swung his arm horizontally, small bullet-like projectiles shot across the field towards the three.

Thunder Beckoner created several barriers to block the projectiles. However to his shock he saw that they were melting his magic barriers!

Flowing Petals attempted to deflect them with her spear. Yet the projectiles easily melted her spear!

Travis dodged as many as he could, yet he was unable to fully dodge them all. One projectile hit his thigh. It easily shot through his armor and flesh, causing a hole that could be seen through. Travis winced and nearly cried out in pain as he dropped to a knee.

Flowing Petals saw this a thrust her spear forward, even though it was heavily damaged. Travis saw the spear and caught it with his off-hand.

A pressure exploded from Travis, weakening the rest of the Champions. Travis bent the spear until it broke. Fighting through the pain he stood back up.

Thunder Beckoner's eyes shone upon seeing this. Immediately he attempted to examine the mana particles to see what kind of spell had such an effect. Yet he was surprised by the outcome, "It's not a spell..?!"

Adrenaline began pumping through Travis body, his heart rate accelerated, and the pain in his leg faded. A minute had passed and [Averoth's Lust for Battle] had begun.

Boom-!

Travis slammed a fist into the stomach of Flowing Petals. As she stumbled back in pain Travis' sword blurred and several cuts formed along her body.

Travis was able to hit these attacks because Flowing Petals wasn't expecting him to move so fast with the injury. He normally wouldn't have as well, the side effects of [Averoth's Lust for Battle] proved to be more helpful this time by nulling the pain.

A voice sounded from above, "You dare still ignore me!"

Erupting Volcano slammed into the ground. With a yell the white-yellow substance exploded from his body.

The other Champion's eyes widened as the substance was about to enclose around them.

Thunder Beckoner immediately cast several spells, "[Stone Wall], [Ice Castle], [Reflect Mirror], [Thousand Fold Barrier]."

Flowing Petals was about to defend herself with her spear, but it wasn't in the shape to do so. As the substance began to fall, fear was evident in her eyes.

Travis himself was in no better condition, he had very little skills to defend himself with. Only one way to survive came to thought.

His ring flashed and a handsome scarred man appeared. Seeing the wave of the substance a grin appeared on their face. Raising their hand they counted, "One... two... three!"

Their hand swung down and the section of the substance heading towards Travis flattened to the ground.

The substance slammed into Thunder Beckoner's defenses. His breathing grew heavy as his defense were broken one by one, "The heat is going to suffocate me before I die by this..!"

Flowing Petals was left defenseless as the substance covered her. There was no sound as the substance settled. Only a screen turning red, the name on it was Flowing Petals!

The figure crossed their arms and faded. Travis sighed in relief, he was worried for a moment.

Thunder Beckoner was sweating profusely, he was on his knees and breathing heavily. Through gasps of air he cursed, "You... overheated... sadist... I'll behead you... myself!"

Erupting Volcano coldly examined the aftermath of his attack, "One, two remaining."

Travis gripped his sword and charged forward, he needed to finish them off now before more large scale attacks were used!

Travis got close and swung his sword, he had toggle on the [Truth: Neutral] passive. He intended to keep it on for quite some time.

The sword felt like it slammed into a brick wall. Erupting Volcano had guarded with his arm, a grin on their face. With a yell they pushed back Travis.

As Travis slid backwards he was filled with a bit of annoyance, no matter what he couldn't seem to have greater strength that his opponents! He raised his off-hand and exchanged all his remaining tokens and some MP into a [Depth's Beam].

Bwom~

Erupting Volcano caused the substance to spin in their hand as they used to to block the beam. As this clash was happening Thunder Beckoner had recovered some and began chanting, "Through the cycle of life one is reborn. Through the judgement of heavens is their life chosen..."

The beam faded and Travis charged forward again. As he got close he swung several times, each strike was blocked easily.

Travis jumped up intending to throw more power behind a downwards slash. Erupting Volcano smirked and caused the substance to close onto Travis.

Travis sword burst into a mist and he shot two [Depth's Beam] to block this. Instead of swinging downwards like planned he extended his foot and kicked Erupting Volcano's face.

There was a little reaction to the kick, but Travis didn't expect much. Instead he used the kick to leap backwards, dodging the enclosing of the substance.

Erupting Volcano grunted and shot several projectiles towards Travis. These were dodged, as Travis' stats were still slowly increasing.

Travis sprinted forward again, but stumbled as he did. He quickly glanced over and realized his boot was severely damaged from making contact with Erupting Volcano's face.

Travis clicked his tongue and readjusted. He couldn't stop now anyway.

Thunder Beckoner still continued his chant, "In which fate may guide their path upon a rightful life. The stars align in their favor and they grant greatness amongst those in their path..."

Travis sword flashed as he feinted an attack. His sword creating a clean cut across the magma body of Erupting Volcano.

Erupting Volcano roared, "Die!"

He swung his fist, the substance glowing brightly. Travis slid under the attack, the heat radiating off the fist was enough to burn his skin. Travis jumped up after dodging and swung his blade to cut into Erupting Volcano's side.

Erupting Volcano reacted quickly and swung his arm back, aiming for Travis who was now in the air. Before his fist made contact Travis vanished.

Reappearing behind Erupting Volcano Travis swung his sword twice. Two dark crescent attacks dug into Erupting Volcano's back.

Erupting Volcano roared again, "Argh!"

The substance exploded from his back, aiming to surround Travis. This was bad news, for Travis wasn't sure how to escape this one.

He grit his teeth and set [Truth Twofold: Neutral] on the magma. It surrounded him and began to melt his armor and flesh. Travis screamed in pain but quickly freed himself. He retreated immediately, breathing heavy from the pain.

That attack alone had reduced his health by 40%! A single attack doing so much was dangerous. He wouldn't be able to survive after two more, and that was being generous!

Travis' vision blurred and he wobbled, struggling to stand upright. Yet his will to fight remained bright as ever. His stats steadily increased and his heart beat with excitement. This battle was pushing his limits!

Travis took a step forward. Erupting Volcano taunted, "Even though you escaped, you willingly deliver yourself to the same fate?! Give up! Though that probably won't work!"

Thunder Beckoner finished his chants, "Fall from above and extirpate the evil from the one who abused his fortune! [Summa Tormentum]!"

Whooooom~

A large rune appeared above the arena. It's held a mile in its diameter. Travis was filled with shock upon seeing it, such a spell?!

Booooom~!!!

A beam descended within less than a tenth of a second it slammed into the ground. Causing an explosion and shockwave strong enough to crack the arena.

The beam consumed Travis and Erupting Volcano. Thunder Beckoner retreated with a teleport spell.

Travis' health dropped drastically. Erupting Volcano's magma was being shredded apart.

Flinnder gripped the armrest of his chair. The grip was strong enough to shatter the metal it was made of. His Champion... better not die here!

Travis' cloak took effect. Granting him immunity to damage for a few seconds. However the beam showed no signs of stopping. Eventually his immunity faded and his HP began to drop again.

Travis' mind flashed to his training months...

"What should I do if I am faced with an attack I cannot block?"

"Dodge it."

Travis sighed, "I meant, something I cannot avoid or block no matter what. Like an explosion strong enough to shatter cities."

"In such a case... you will have to depend on luck. Or rather, your will to live. Living creatures are a strange existence. When desperate enough hidden powers and strengths make themselves appear temporarily. Like an exhausted wild animal gaining a sudden burst of energy to fight back. Or in your case... your War Sight. However some cases this will never happen. In such events, you can only accept your fate."

Travis' felt emotional that such a case turned true. Will he really have to accept his fate..?

His vision turned dark.