destiny

After Derek's defiant statement, it became evident that he had captured Death's undivided attention.

Death: I see, so you wish to make this personal... Very well.

Death momentarily glanced at "his" companion, conveying a silent instruction.

Death: Despair, remain vigilant. Should any of these other beings dare to intervene, unleash your assault upon them. I shall handle Derek myself.

With deliberate steps, Death closed the distance, now standing face-to-face with Derek.

Death: Proceed, let us witness if you possess the capability to put up a fight...

Derek, undeterred, issued a challenge:

Derek: Bring it on. You were the one who sought to end my life first. Try to finish what you started...

As I observed Derek's resolute determination, I held faith in his abilities. In an instant, barely measurable by time itself, Death launched an attack.

Death threw a punch at Derek, but Derek managed to barely block the blow. Eve and Astralux watched in shock as the intense battle unfolded before them, while I remained fixed on Derek and Death, locked in combat.

Death attempted to land several strikes on Derek, yet Derek skillfully evaded and deflected the attacks. And then, Derek retaliated.

With swift and fierce movements, Derek launched a counterattack, delivering punches and kicks upon Death.

Death, seemingly unimpressed, sneered:

Death: Heh... feeble.

As Death increased "his" power, a tremendous shockwave surged forth, threatening to knock Derek off balance. Reacting swiftly, I shielded Eve, ensuring she remained unharmed by the impact. Astralux struggled to maintain composure amidst the powerful shockwave.

Astralux: !!!

Once the shockwave subsided, Derek regained his footing and promptly launched another assault against Death.

Derek: !!!

Derek successfully landed a formidable blow on Death, causing "him" to stagger. Death appeared somewhat taken aback by the unexpected turn of events.

Death: ?!

During this critical moment, I sensed something profound. Derek's strength did not stem solely from the gloves he wore, but rather from his unwavering will to exist. It was his innate desire to help others that fueled his fighting spirit—both for himself and for those around him. Here he stood, defying Death itself, fighting for his own survival and the well-being of others. This was Derek's true calling, his destined path.

DEREK'S POV:

With a surge of adrenaline, I experienced an exhilarating sensation as my punch connected with Death. The realization hit me—I refused to succumb, to allow "him" to carry out "his" wicked acts.

This being posing as Death... "he" is an imposter.

The impact of my blow left Death visibly stunned, clearly unprepared for the strength behind my strike.

Death: ?!

In response, Death retaliated, launching a relentless onslaught of punches against me. Each blow struck me, causing pain, yet I remained undeterred. In the midst of the barrage, my resolve grew stronger.

As Death continued to pummel me, I gradually clenched my fist, summoning my inner strength. And then, with determination, I struck back—a single powerful blow that sent Death flying several meters away.

Despair: !!!

Eve: ??

Astralux: !!

Liran: ...

With blood staining my face, I slowly rose to my feet, unfazed by the injuries. My sole purpose now was to confront this imposter, this false Death, and put an end to "his" existence once and for all.

Death, too, regained "his" footing and charged at me once more, attempting to unleash another barrage of punches. However, my agility and determination allowed me to evade and block "his" attacks effortlessly.

I clenched my fist again, channeling my resolve, and delivered a powerful punch that sent Death crashing to the ground.

Despair: Death!

As I gazed down upon the fallen imposter, memories of when "he" had looked down on me with disdain resurfaced.

Silently, I made no need for words. Instead, I unleashed another devastating punch upon "him," causing flames to erupt from "his" form.

Despair: No...

Despair, seemingly compelled to intervene and protect Death, hesitated upon hearing Liran's intervention.

Liran: You will not intervene. Stay where you are.

"Despair" remained motionless, evidently intimidated by Liran's presence. However, before I could capitalize on the moment, Death retaliated by delivering a swift kick, sending me a few feet backward. Though I was momentarily displaced, I remained standing.

Once more, Death rose, radiating an intense fury. And then, with unyielding determination, "he" launched yet another attack, hurtling toward me.

With my fist tightly clenched, I anticipated Death's imminent attack. Before "he" could strike, I unleashed the final blow, a mighty punch that shattered "his" entire existence, eradicating every trace of "him."

In that moment, a brilliant flash of light illuminated the surroundings, and as the radiance faded, Death was nowhere to be found, both in front of me and within the confines of the Black King's domain.

That egotistical, prideful, and malevolent entity known as Death had been vanquished.

I had emerged victorious.

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