“Astral walk: second stage,” I mutter under my breath, the words carrying a weight that resonates within me. As the incantation leaves my lips, I feel a substantial portion of my blood aura deplete, a sacrifice necessary to wield this powerful technique. In an instant, the space around me freezes, including Roth’s movements. Time itself seems to hold its breath, awaiting my next move.

A sly grin spreads across my face as I revel in the sheer number of techniques at my disposal. There are so many possibilities, so many paths to explore. With a playful chuckle, I take my time, allowing my mind to rummage through the vast repertoire of my abilities.

“Fufufu… There are just too many techniques, it’s almost overwhelming,” I muse aloud, my voice laced with amusement. “But fear not, I shall choose wisely.”

With a swift motion, I command several blood swords—about two thousand in total—to levitate in the air around me. Each blade glistens with a crimson hue, resonating with the pulsating power of my blood aura. I raise my hand, the swords following suit, aligning themselves with my intentions.

“Blood swords!” I command, my voice resolute and commanding.

In a spectacular display of power, the blood swords launch towards the portals Roth had conjured. With precision and accuracy, they slice through the air, shattering every portal in their path. The rupture of energy reverberates through the battlefield, dispelling the array of crimson gateways one by one.

Buoyed by my success, I take flight, my wings propelling me towards Roth with an unwavering determination. My hand, charged with an abundance of power, soars through the air, aiming straight for his vulnerable neck.

“BOOOOOM!!!!!”

The force of my attack sends shockwaves through the air, a thunderous explosion that reverberates across the battlefield. Roth hurtles downward, his body crashing into the unforgiving ground. The sheer force of the blow tunnels his body deep into the earth, leaving a trail of devastation in its wake.

As the dust settles, I descend from my mid-air perch, my eyes scanning the aftermath of my assault. The once pristine battlefield now bears the marks of chaos. A massive crater stretches across the landscape, spanning nearly a kilometer in diameter.

I land gracefully on the edge of the crater, surveying the scene with a mix of satisfaction and curiosity. The impact of my attack has reshaped the terrain, leaving destruction in its wake. It is a stark reminder of the forces we wield, the clash of powers that have brought us to this precipice.

My gaze shifts towards Roth, his prone form buried within the depths of the crater. Despite the devastation I have wrought, I can sense the unyielding spirit that burns within him.

Slowly, I approach Roth, my footsteps deliberate as I come to a stop right before him. A smile plays upon my lips, a mix of amusement and curiosity in my gaze.

“Roth, you still want to fight, huh?” I ask, the words tinged with a hint of amusement. It’s clear that despite the odds, his spirit remains unyielding.

As I study Roth’s figure, it becomes evident that he has managed to shield himself well from physical harm with his Ki. However, the last attack I unleashed had left its mark, causing significant internal damage within his body.

Suddenly, Roth begins to cough, blood seeping from the corners of his mouth. The sight is a stark reminder of the toll this battle has taken on him.

“Jake, I admit it now,” Roth confesses, his voice strained but filled with a newfound clarity. “No matter how much I train, I can’t catch up to you. You’re different—a mountain that keeps growing. But today, I’m happy because I was able to go all out and surpass my own limits. I hope we can battle again someday.”

A mixture of emotions washes over me as I listen to Roth’s words. There is a sense of respect, a recognition of the growth we have both achieved through this fierce rivalry. But beneath it all lies a concern, a lingering question that demands an answer.

“Remember your promise before we fought,” I interject, my tone serious as I lock eyes with Roth. “Who forced you into this? It was clear that the attacks you launched at me were aimed at vital points, with the intent to kill.”

Roth’s smile falters, his expression turning pensive. He takes a moment, as if contemplating his next words, before finally responding.

“My father… My father asked me to defeat you in this tournament,” Roth admits, his voice laced with a mixture of bitterness and resignation. “He promised me Blood Moon Fruits as a reward, claiming they would elevate my evolution stage. Who knows, if I had reached the Vampire Lord stage, perhaps I would have been a true match for you.”

I absorb his words, my gaze unwavering as I process the information. A surge of anger and concern rises within me, fueled by the realization that Roth had been manipulated into this battle. The consequences of his father’s actions have left their mark, both physically and emotionally.

A heavy sigh escapes my lips as I contemplate the gravity of the situation. I had sensed something amiss throughout our encounters, a lack of agency in Roth’s actions. Now, the truth has been laid bare before me.

“Sigh, you could have just asked me, and I would have provided you with enough Blood Moon Fruits,” I say with a hint of exasperation, a tinge of disappointment coloring my voice. I grab onto Roth’s hand, offering support as I help him to sit down. He looks weak, his breathing labored, and his vampire aura barely flickering.

A sense of regret washes over me as I contemplate the situation. The realization that the real Roth had been suppressed under the influence of his father’s manipulation weighs heavily upon my heart. I had sensed that something was amiss, that the actions he had taken during our battle were not true to his character.

“Why don’t you kill me?” Roth’s voice cuts through the air, filled with a mix of weariness and resignation.

I pause, my gaze locking with his. There is a profound sadness in his eyes, a reflection of the inner turmoil he must be experiencing. Despite the hardships we have endured, I can’t help but feel a sense of compassion for him.

ραndαsΝοvεl.cοm

As our conversation unfolds, a sudden shift in the atmosphere jolts me from my thoughts. My senses go on high alert as I detect an object hurtling towards me with alarming speed. The unmistakable presence of bloodlust radiates from it, sending a surge of adrenaline coursing through my veins.

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