His essence-forged body was the only thing that kept him from breaking bones. Still, his body ached, and he was sure his chest was bruised.

"How did this happen? One minute he was running towards Darian, and the next something too fast or invisible slammed into him."

He picked himself up gently, slowly. Azaroth was still trying to put together what happened. What type of skill was that? What technique is that?

If it was elemental, then Azaroth had never heard of that type of elemental before. Was it air? He doubted it. He felt no wind blow him.

Darian did not attack; he waited until Azaroth was standing. "I told you then that you are weak. You think you can just issue a challenge and win? I’ll make you eat dirt!"

Azaroth narrowed his eyes. It was true that Darian was strong, but now, he was dangerous with his unknown skill. Azaroth would have to know what that power was before he thought of countering it.

With his hand on his sword, he approached again. Azaroth was slow this time, drinking in every action Darian made. The larger boy was relaxed. It was then that Azaroth knew that Darian wanted a slow fight. He wanted to humiliate Azaroth.

"Why don’t you give up? The Hounds do not need someone as weak as you," he sneered. His teammates shouted their support while Zephyra Hound smirked.

"You talk too much," Azaroth said. He was still approaching cautiously; he slowly circled the boy.

Darian turned with him. "And you are too stupid."

Azaroth actually stopped, and his lips twisted. "So original."

Darian opened his mouth, and it was then that Azaroth leaped forward. And like before, an invisible force smashed into him and shoved him back.

Azaroth rolled with the fall this time and came up to his feet in a flash.

"You fool! You can never get close to me to attack! Forget it!" Darian shouted.

Azaroth ignored his taunts. "What is your technique? You know mine."

Darian smirked. "Of course, I know yours. It’s fire, right? Fire like the Inferno Legion, but you are a Hound. You’ll only learn the inferior one."

"I’m Yama," Azaroth said.

Darian laughed. "You really think your team will make the Yama of East Haven? Your delusion is extraordinary."

Azaroth said nothing as he approached again. This time his hand rested on his sword casually, and he forged more essence to his legs.

During the last time that he was close to Darian, Azaroth saw something before whatever force hit him. He saw Darian’s finger flickering out as if he was directing something.

That meant Azaroth could dodge it.

"You like pain, don’t you?" Darian asked.

Azaroth said nothing. He went in again, his hand trained on Darian’s hand, and immediately he saw the fingers flicker, he dodged left and dived in with his sword out and aimed at Darian’s neck.

Darian’s eyes widened, but he reacted fast, like a lion. He removed his axe and met Azaroth with it. The two weapons met and collided, sending metallic sounds in the arena.

Azaroth gave him no time to do another skill. He pressed him hard with his sword, driving him back, but Darian was also good with his weapon, and he had the advantage of raw physical strength and essence forging.

It should have been in his favor, but Azaroth was fast, and he had the advantage where Kael Hound had heightened his senses and strength.

He made his strike faster, and Darian was struggling to keep up. Sparks flew as the two weapons met. The larger boy wasn’t smirking anymore as Azaroth gave him no chance to use essence skill.

Darian had to withdraw some of his essence from his body to his hand to make them faster. As if that was what Azaroth was waiting for, he put his strength into his next blow, and he almost sent Darian’s axe flying.

It left Darian open, and Azaroth kicked him hard in the chest. He almost flew back, but Azaroth gripped his hand and drew him back, his sword ready for his neck.

But Darian was also a Hound Yama in training. He bent low to avoid his sword, and with him looking up at Azaroth, he sent his skill straight at Azaroth’s head.

Azaroth spun through the air, his sword flew from his hand. The skill caught him hard on the head and made him blink slowly as he stared at the sky, gradually regaining his senses.

Darian didn’t give him time. He went after him. Azaroth heard the footsteps, but his head was still muddled. Then Darian filled his vision.

"How do you like that?" Darian asked. He slammed his leg into Azaroth painfully, and he gasped. "You almost had me, but I am the leader of a team. I’m the strongest of the trainers here in East Haven!"

Darian pointed down, and Azaroth knew he wanted to use his skill again. He briefly marveled at how fast Darian was sending his skills; it showed how long he had been practicing with it.

Azaroth knew if it hit him at such a close distance, with his head on the ground, the effects would be devastating.

In those seconds between the time that Darian wanted to cast his skill, Azaroth debated with himself. Should he use his fire technique?

It should be the most obvious choice; he had it memorized already, but it would take time he didn’t have to connect it in his mind.

What he needed to use was clear as day.

Azaroth visualized the thread as Corvus said. He made it thick with chaos essence and lashed out as Darian used his skill. The two collided and fought for dominance for a second, but Azaroth had not touched his chaos core since, and he was generous in its use in his skill.

Azaroth’s skill crushed Darian’s skill, whacking the larger boy on the face with a telekinetic whip that sent him flying back.

Darian hit the ground hard, head first, and his eyes spun in their sockets.