Khan's senses were terrific, but differentiating between the many strands of mana released during the spear's explosion was impossible. His eyes saw only brightness, and the symphony grew too messy to tell a story.

Nevertheless, Khan could confirm that his spell had hit the target. Fergus had remained still to endure the full might of the explosion. He didn't move even after the spear transformed into a scorching pillar that continued to release destructive energy.

That was obviously a power play. Fergus wanted to show off, but Khan didn't mind it. He was mainly curious about the exchange's outcome, and his eyes eventually became able to inspect it.

As the purple-red energy dispersed, a breathing, strong aura became visible. Its presence wasn't massive and didn't expand in its surroundings, but Khan found its density breathtaking. It almost seemed a huge amount of mana had become solid and immovable.

In the following seconds, more features became visible. Strands of smoke appeared as the chaos element dispersed. The ground was cracked and charred. A hole had also formed, but a tall figure stood proudly at its center.

Fergus' military uniform had become a burned mess. Only a few strands of fabric had survived the chaos spear, leaving him virtually naked and allowing a complete inspection. His rosy skin had turned dark, and smoke had come out of it, but Khan couldn't spot any burns.

The dark shade didn't result from the spell. Fergus had activated his element, changing the shape, color, and strength of his various body tissues, allowing him to endure the spear without moving a muscle.

'Even the superficial flesh is unharmed,' Khan noticed as his bright eyes darted between the spots releasing smoke. 'This is far better than my Blood Shield.'

Unlike the Blood Shield, Fergus' defensive spell had no blind spots. His mana didn't only affect the blood vessels. It invaded any kind of tissue, altering its nature to transform it into an unbreakable item.

The casting speed and reach were also incredible. Khan didn't hesitate to launch his spell, but Fergus still reacted on time. Moreover, he had covered his entire body, leaving no spot unguarded. Khan had only compliments for that demonstration of skill.

Fergus smirked as his mana retreated and his skin returned to its original color. The change confirmed that the attack had left no mark on his body, but Khan spotted another amazing detail. Fergus' energy didn't disperse. Instead, it returned inside his body to resume its normal flow.

Of course, the defensive spell had consumed mana, but not as much as one would believe. Fergus' technique couldn't only endure the chaos element. He could also use it multiple times without emptying his energy reserves.

"It doesn't cut away pain,

" Khan commented.

"You probably can cut it away but choose not to.

"

A tremor ran through Fergus' eyes. Many would have felt desperate and helpless before that demonstration, but Khan was a different beast. He had noticed a detail few would even consider, forcing Fergus to hold back a gulp. The soldier had to admit Khan's senses were beyond scary.

"How much can you actually see?

" Fergus couldn't help but ask.

"Wrong question,

" Khan replied.

Fergus soon found himself under an array of chaos spears. The sky had disappeared, and only the color of Khan's element existed in the scenery. That was a barrage entirely made of one of Khan's best spells, and he had created it in a matter of seconds.

"You must be joking,

" Fergus muttered, but Khan lowered his arm, and all the spears fell.

Baoway's forest experienced inhumane destruction as every spear converged on Fergus' position and exploded. Violent gales spread among the trees as scorching pillars piled up, fusing their energy to create a single but massive attack. The rain of spells' sheer pressure shattered even the ground meters away from the impact point.

Khan let the destruction unfold, but no surprise arrived when the energy dispersed, showing Fergus standing in the middle of the charred ground. The man had endured the rain with the same defensive spell as before, but his smirk had disappeared.

"I take back my previous statement,

" Fergus announced, his voice full of energy.

"Your spears are stronger.

"

"Not yet,

" Khan declared, and mana gathered above him once again. An even bigger array of spears soon formed and descended before the two could exchange additional words.

The destruction's range increased during the second round of attacks. The entire clear area shattered and burned under the chaos element's might. Smoke invaded that peaceful piece of the forest, turning it into a hellish scenery coming straight from Khan's nightmare.

Nevertheless, once the pillars and smoke dispersed, Fergus' intact figure reappeared. His legs had caved into the ground due to the barrage's pressure, but his back had stood straight. No harm had come to his skin or hair either. Only his military uniform was completely gone.

Khan could summon another round of spears. He also had different techniques at his disposal, and the cursed knife was still in its sheath. Yet, he didn't do anything and remained in the air, waiting for Fergus' move.

Fergus understood that silent message. Khan wouldn't reveal anything else until he did the same. However, looking at the just-created destruction gave birth to a different option. Khan definitely was worthy of respect, and a serious battle between the two might ruin a big chunk of the quadrant.

From the outside, the scene would have given birth to countless legends, especially among primitive species. Khan stood in the air, unfazed by the destruction he had created. The grass had disappeared, trunks had burned, and holes still released thick smoke. He was a walking catastrophe who didn't even need to lift a finger to unleash his power.

Meanwhile, Fergus stood tall on the ground, his perfect build in the open. His naked feet adhered to the burning ground without taking any damage, and his face was proudly pointed at the walking catastrophe. A tinge of defiance even enveloped him as if he were a titan challenging a monster.

Luckily for the two, they had gone deep enough into the forest to avoid attracting an audience. Khan and Fergus could settle their differences privately, but someone had to make the first step, and the newcomer ended up behind the one budging.

"I want a spot in the political trips,

" Fergus announced.

"Done,

" Khan stated.

"And the lab won't get dust,

" Fergus continued.

"I'll plan something,

" Khan promised.

"Deal,

" Fergus uttered, and Khan gracefully landed before him to shake his hand.