The instant Nathan signaled the start, the energy in the room erupted like a storm. Orion and Reilly simultaneously activated the first form of the Three Divine Ways, their auras ring to unprecedented levels.


    Behind Orion, a ck sphere thrummed with dark, ominous energy, while a golden sphere zed with a fierce radiance behind Reilly, illuminating the space with its intense glow.


    In a fluid motion, Orion swung his sword, the de gleaming ominously as he surged forward with incredible speed. Reilly matched his movements, materializing a golden sword in his hand as he charged to meet Orion head-on.


    Their swords collided with a resounding sh, the sheer force of their impact sending a powerful shockwave rippling through the hall.


    Wasting no time, Orion used the Curse of Stormcaller, channeling its power into his sword. The air around him roared to life, a powerful gust of wind surging forward and catching Reilly off guard, pushing him back several steps.


    Sensing an opportunity, Orion harnessed the wind''s speed, vanishing from sight only to reappear behind Reilly in an instant, his sword poised for a decisive strike.


    But Reilly was no easy opponent. Just as Orion''s de was about to connect, Reilly vanished, reappearing several meters away with lightning speed.


    Orion halted his attack, his eyes narrowing as he assessed Reilly. He quickly noticed the golden boots that had formed around Reilly''s legs—a clear manifestation of the gold element, and a technique Reilly had previously used to secure victory against Roman.


    A smirk tugged at the corner of Orion''s lips. He recognized the trick.


    In a sh, Orion charged again, this time with even greater speed and ferocity. His sword became a blur, a whirlwind of strikes aimed at overwhelming Reilly''s defenses. Reilly responded with equal intensity, his golden sword parrying each of Orion''s blows with practiced precision.


    The ng of metal rang out repeatedly, the force of their sh sending sparks flying with each impact as the two warriors battled with relentless energy, neither willing to give an inch.


    After exchanging severable blows with each other, they both retreated back.


    "You''re fast and very strong, but the real battle starts now," Reilly said, pointing his finger at Orion. His body began to glow with a gentle golden light.


    Almost immediately, a thinyer of gold began to spread across Reilly''s body, rapidly solidifying into protective armor. It started at his chest, forming a gleaming chest te, before extending to cover his back with a sturdy golden shield.


    From there, the gold continued to flow, crafting bracers that encased his arms and leg guards that wrapped around his legs with seamless precision. Even his knees were fortified with golden caps, providing full protection to all four limbs.


    The transformation didn''t stop there—his hands and fingers were soon encased in gold, turning him into a figure that seemed to be sculpted entirely from the precious metal.


    The only part of him that remained untouched was his pale face, starkly contrasting with the brilliant gold that reflected light with a radiant glow, making him appear as though he were a being born of gold itself.


    "This is what I call my ultimate form," Reilly said, looking at Orion. "I don''t usually use this form because it drains a lot of mana, but consider yourself a worthy opponent, Ray, for you''re the only one in gold rank who could force me to use it."


    Orion smiled at his words, feeling the increase in Reilly''s strength after the transformation. It was a qualitative leap—in speed, strength, and defense.


    "I see. Then let''s fight and determine who is stronger in the end," Orion said, gripping his sword tightly.


    "You''re on," Reilly replied, vanishing from his position, leaving behind a trail of dust.


    Orion also vanished, using the speed of the wind as they shed once again.


    ng!


    This time, the floor beneath them waspletely destroyed, creating a small pit.


    Orion felt a heavy pressure on his hand as he absorbed the full brunt of Reilly''s attack. The strength behind it was overwhelming.


    They were in a stalemate, their swords humming as they tried to gain the upper hand.


    ''This Reilly is indeed very strong,'' Orion thought, forming a strong gust of wind to push Reilly away. However, Reilly didn''t budge as the wind passed through him. Orion was surprised and tried again, this time with an even stronger gust of wind, but Reilly remained unmoved.


    "The wind won''t affect me anymore," Reilly smirked. "Gold, in general, has very high density, and the armor I made from my talent reinforces thatw to a very high level. In simple terms, my weight is now too great to be affected by any kind of wind."


    "Is that so?" Orion smiled, though he now understood why Reilly''s strength was overwhelming him. It turned out he had increased his weight significantly when he transformed, enhancing his strength in the process, simr to how Orion used Burdened Gravity.


    At this moment, Orion had two choices: either use Curse Transformation to end the battle in one strike or employ another curse from his arsenal. He decided on thetter.


    "Let me show you the real strength of my wind," Orion sneered, once again generating a strong gust of wind around his sword to blow Reilly away. This time, he also used the Curse of Cursed Pulse, which gave himplete control over shockwaves.


    Using the wind as cover, Orion transferred a small shockwave to the edge of his sword and released it.


    Reilly was blown away the moment the shockwave was unleashed.


    "How can wind affect me?" Reilly couldn''tprehend what had just happened as he slid across the floor before using his sword to stab into the ground, bringing himself to a stop.


    At the same time, Orion used the power of Cursed Pulse along with the Curse of Stormcaller, which gave him an additional boost in speed and strength in the form of eleration and striking power. Combining these curses, Orion swiftly closed the distance between them, jumped atop Reilly, and swung his sword.


    Reilly was prepared, and he swung his sword at Orion in return.


    Boom!


    But just as their swords collided, Reilly felt as if he had been struck by a giant hammer. The ground beneath him was instantly reduced to dust.


    Gritting his teeth, Reilly held the sword blocking Orion''s strike with his left hand, formed another sword in his right hand, and swung it forward.


    Orion quickly zapped back, using the swiftness of the wind before Reilly''s strike couldnd.


    "I won''t hold back anymore!" Reilly shouted, then vanished, leaving a trail of gold in his wake.


    Reappearing in front of Orion, he attacked with both swords. Orion smiled and also struck with his own sword.


    Reilly was sted back once more, but this time Orion didn''t give him a chance to recover. He appeared in front of Reilly while he was still airborne and aimed a downward stab with his sword.


    Reilly''s eyes narrowed, and he immediately transformed his right hand, which was holding the second sword, into the shape of a handgun and rapidly fired at Orion.


    Bang! Bang! Bang! Bang!


    Orion was surprised by Reilly''s ability to manipte gold to this degree, but he reacted swiftly. He stopped his attack, changed direction, and moved away, dodging the bullets.


    ---


    Also, I was hoping you could leave somements or reviews to let me know your thoughts!


    *Some gifts would be appreciated as well, but up to you.... *