Awakening?

As the battle raged on, Ace's mind was consumed by the intensity of the fight. He was no longer aware of the changes happening within him; he was completely absorbed in the dance of power and the clash of auras. Unbeknownst to him, the dark aura that surrounded him began to seep into his consciousness, slowly clouding his thoughts.

With each strike and parry, Ace's power continued to surge, fueled by his determination to prove himself against the formidable emperor. However, this newfound strength came with a cost. As the dark aura within him grew stronger, Ace's emotions started to become erratic. The lines between reality and illusion blurred, and he struggled to maintain a clear focus.

Andrew, ever observant, noticed the subtle shift in Ace's demeanour. He saw the young warrior's eyes flicker with uncertainty and glimpses of confusion. He realised that Ace's powers were increasing rapidly, but the young man was losing control over himself.