Chapter 62: Who Won

Shrriiiiikkk!

Ximena unleashed a dragon's breath, aiming it at Cain, who countered with a lightning beam powered by a tremendous amount of mana. Their attacks clashed, sending shockwaves rippling through the surroundings, devastating those who were hiding nearby. As Ximena's scales emerged on her skin, her majestic aura intensified, her golden draconic eyes fixating on Cain with a lethal intent.

Cain's lightning beam began to falter under the pressure, and he underwent a transformation, morphing into a more sinister form with pale skin and a dark complexion, resembling a monstrous being in contrast to Ximena's majestic appearance. Bat-like wings sprouted from his back, his teeth sharpened, and a faint dark-crimson aura enveloped him. This transformation, known as the Vampire Count form, was a privilege reserved for those of royal blood.

With his newfound power, Cain countered Ximena's assault, pushing back against her. Their matched attacks reached a critical point, culminating in a powerful explosion.

BBBBOOOOMMM!

In the midst of the chaos, a sword materialized in Ximena's hand, while Cain wielded a spear, and both charged towards each other.

Meanwhile, on Alex's side, he navigated through the debris of collapsed buildings, facing a moon arc spinning over ten meters high and five meters wide. Though reinforced with sword intent, Alex allowed the attack to strike him, resulting in a slash that drew blood. Yet, instead of despair, a smirk graced his lips.

Blood dripped from his wounds as a sword manifested within his body, signaling a deeper connection with his swordsmanship.

[Sword intent is growing.] [Sword intent break through] [Sword intent rank: Master] [Swordsmanship Lv89]

Observing the notifications, Alex remained composed, focusing on his opponent—an individual clad in Demon Knight armor, wielding a greatsword. This was Levi, the Martial King, whose prowess surpassed common understanding, a phenomenon of nature in the realm of martial arts.

Alex harbored a strong desire to recruit Levi onto his team, recognizing his potential to ascend to the Grand Master realm and even challenge gods. Despite Alex's current status at the Dormant realm in swordsmanship, his progress was swift.

[(SSS) Lavune Style - A Five-star module focusing on reaching the pinnacle of swordsmanship, balancing speed and power.] - Essence Realm of Mastery.

Having mastered 75% of this technique, Alex prepared to unleash its third form, encompassing not only his sword but his entire being. Sensing Alex's resolve, Levi acknowledged their impending showdown.

Engaging in combat, both combatants honed their skills, each strike pushing their limits. Alex relied on experience, refining his style, sword intent, and swordsmanship realm, which had remained at the Expert realm for some time before breaking through to the Dormant realm in mid battle. Conversely, Levi capitalized on his enlightenment, inching closer to the Grand Master realm.

"Thank you," Levi said confidently, ensuring Alex couldn't evade his attack. "Final Form: Domination Slash!"

"Third Form!!!!!!" The world fell silent as Levi's sword slashed down.

[Retaliation activated] [Eternal flames+Lightning Flash activated]

Space twisted; Alex's sword remained in its scabbard until Levi unleashed his attack. Alex unsheathed his sword at an unseen speed, harnessing his Arcane mana, Sword intent, Retaliation, and two of his most powerful skills. The entire area turned upside down. "Zenith" The space twisted as if sliced by Alex's attack.

Levi's attack seemed to shroud the earth in darkness upon release. For a microsecond, nothing happened before the largest explosion covered nearly half of the city. Most people had evacuated to outside the city where the barrier still held, sparing only a few who were reduced to ashes.

BBBBBBOOOOOOOMMMMM!!!!!!

On Ximena's side, both she and Cain were pushed by the shockwave, buffeted by raging winds. "What kind of monsters are they?" Cain wondered aloud, reflecting on whether Levi would have easily killed him that day. "I'm glad I trusted my instincts."

Ximena's expression showed concern, not for Alex's life, but for his emotionless state. At the explosion, Alex found himself surrounded by a dark barrier with all his skills deactivated, his soul essences depleted, and his Arcane mana nearly depleted.

As the barrier vanished, his silver hair and sky-blue eyes returned, scanning his surroundings. Observing signs of life and using his soul sense, he sighed. "He should have warned me earlier."

Despite feeling extremely drained, Alex walked towards Levi. The barrier above began to dissipate as he lost focus. He never imagined encountering an S rank Martial King when he sought an SS rank in the lawless city.

Levi stood before him, a true master. Initially planning to annihilate the city's inhabitants and feed them to his blood necklace, Alex abandoned the plan due to his weakened state and the remaining A and B ranks.

"Perhaps another time," Alex thought, deactivating his Monarch skill. His surroundings were marred by a vast crater that consumed half the city. Approaching, Alex saw Levi, his armor destroyed, revealing a handsome face drenched in blood. Levi's dark blue hair and black eyes suggested he was in his late 20s.

"You won," Levi said.

"Barely, but you've left a scar that won't heal," Alex replied with a smile, noting the wound on his chest.

"Hahaha... but you'll still live, and I'll die," Levi chuckled, coughing blood.

The wound was deep, and without Alex's intervention, Levi would perish in minutes.

[Healing activated]

[50,000 Arcane Mana consumed]

Levi's body began to heal, his eyes widening in shock. "What?!"

"I still want to fight you in the future, and your daughter is alive," Alex said, the last words bringing joy to Levi.

"Heck..." Levi paused before adding, "Thank you."