Kael's voice sounded like the harbinger of impending doom.
The last time Kael had spoken those words, the entrance test had ended before Atticus could see it in action.
Atticus had known it had been powerful then, but with the overwhelming aura that immediately engulfed the whole area as Kael spoke, he could tell its current power could never be compared to back then.
The earth within 8 meters around Kael sunk, snake-like cracks appearing and spreading at an alarming rate.
Simultaneously, crimson-like marks erupted upwards from his chest, weaving a complex network of intricate tattoos that snaked their way across his entire body.
The red glow in his eyes flashed, its hue deepening as his physique expanded in both mass and height, each sinew and muscle gaining an almost supernatural vitality.
Unable to withstand the sheer pressure, his clothes strained against burgeoning muscles and tore, revealing the raw power surging beneath.
His brown hair lengthened as it grew down, cascading with an almost ethereal grace, adopting a striking red hue.
It was shocking, but Kael's genius was undeniable. Despite being just 16 years old, Kael had already attained the Expert- rank, putting him at a level comparable to Avalon and Magnus during their time in the academy.
Considering his rank, it wasn't surprising when vivid red attire erupted from his chest and enveloped him, his aura shooting up and instantly reaching Expert rank.
Kael's right hand reached for the broadsword on his back, sweeping it in a blur to his side and sending an intense wave in response to the force.
The eight vibrating swords around Kael's waist erupted upwards in unison as though they could no longer be contained before cutting downwards with speed, their forms suddenly changing and turning into a bright crimson light that immediately converged around the blade of the broadsword.
The broadsword lengthened, its form becoming bigger and vibrating with intense power.
Every single thing that had just happened occurred in 1.5 seconds; to many, it was an incredibly short time, but to Atticus, it might as well have been a decade.
But regardless, Atticus didn't move one step as Kael's colossal figure rocketed towards him at supersonic speed, the ground he previously stood on instantaneously imploding.
Despite not showing it, Atticus had truly taken Kael as a friend. While it was true that Kael had gotten close to him because he was strong and wanted to battle with him, it didn't change the fact that his intentions had been pure.
Kael had advised and helped him on multiple occasions. Kael had helped him with Zoey, and it was impossible for him to forget how he stood by him when the bone race warriors came for him.
Atticus never forgets his grievances; this was something many had come to understand about him. But what many didn't know was that the same applied to the opposite.
He would never forget any good things that were done for him.
Kael appeared in front of Atticus like a phantom despite his enormous size. His broadsword was raised skyward before it whistled through the air in a blistering descent.
The speed was so intense that it was akin to a meteor plummeting from the heavens.
Atticus was grateful to Kael, and this was exactly why he had decided not to hold anything back during this fight. He would use this as a temporary parting gift.
Kael had wanted to fight him at his full power, and so Atticus would give him exactly that.
Despite the massive descending sword, Atticus responded with eerie calm. His right arm moved upward towards the trajectory of the broadsword.
The nature of Atticus's movement shifted, but he didn't move an inch.
His feet were planted firmly into the ground, his body becoming as immovable as a towering mountain. He stood tall, muscles tensed like solid rock.
Space suddenly distorted, forming a protective layer around Atticus's raised arm.
Then, the sword and arm met.
The meeting of the two was like a star going supernova, blinding and all-consuming.
The ground shook as a palpable wave spread out in all directions. Dust and debris scattered around, engulfing the whole area.
Despite the distance, the students at the front lines had been affected. Although they each hid behind their armors, the force of the collision shot their bodies backward, hitting the immediate students behind them and creating a chain reaction that shifted the thousand youths gathered around them back by several meters.
The dust engulfing the whole area cleared, a wave of shock hitting each of the spectating students and operators alike.
Despite its overwhelming force, the massive broadsword had its descent abruptly stopped by a single arm.
Yet, Atticus didn't appear to have moved an inch, his expression still as calm and composed as when he had appeared.
Before Kael could formulate his next move, with a firm grip, Atticus drew his arm back, an overwhelming force pulling Kael's massive figure forward.
With smooth and steady movements, Atticus's right hand let go of the sword, the force acting on Kael's body remaining undisturbed.
A palpable crimson aura suddenly erupted from Atticus's arm, his fist clenched, and clothes straining as the muscles in his arm seemed to pulse with uncontained power.
Without missing a beat, Atticus's fist flew forward with blistering speed, hammering Kael's stomach.
The impact resonated through the area like a battering ram hitting a fortress wall, the immense force radiating through Kael's form like ripples on a pond, forming multiple concentric circles that pulsed outward behind his figure.
With breath knocked clean from his lungs, Kael's figure hurtled through the air like a ragdoll, cutting through the ranks of the gathered students with speed.
His velocity was so intense that each student who was unfortunately hit by him was immediately enveloped in a golden glow, unable to survive the impact.
Kael's momentum remained undisturbed until he reached the walls of the camp, hitting it in a devastating impact.
Atticus's figure immediately appeared at the wall, racing towards the spot where Kael was lodged.
Atticus's gaze landed on Kael, who seemed to have lost consciousness, blood streaming from his mouth.