Eclipse of the Azure Flame

Chapter 2: The Duel of Flames

The Clash Between Brothers

The temple hall burned with opposing forces—Azure and Crimson Flames colliding, sending shockwaves through the air. The Elders had fled, leaving only Riven Kaelstrade and Rael Obsidian, two former brothers-in-arms, now forced to fight.

"You always wanted power, Riven," Rael said coldly, his sword glowing with an intense Crimson Flame. "But this? This is the path of destruction."

Riven clenched his fists, the blue fire crackling around his body. "I never asked for this power, Rael! But I won't let you kill me over something I can't control!"

There was no more time for words.

Rael vanished in a blur, his speed boosted by the Crimson Flame. He reappeared behind Riven, his flaming sword slashing down in a single, lethal arc.

But at the last second—

BOOM!

The ground exploded beneath Riven's feet as he released a burst of Azure Flame, propelling himself backward just in time to dodge the attack. Rael's sword carved through stone, leaving a deep, glowing gash in the floor.

"Fast."

Rael pivoted instantly, following up with a rapid series of sword strikes, each one leaving a trail of searing fire. Riven barely managed to block with his flaming forearms, but each clash sent shockwaves of heat rippling through the temple hall.

"Azure Pulse!"

Riven raised his palm, and a blast of blue fire erupted from his hand, forcing Rael to leap back. The attack scorched the walls, leaving smoldering embers where it struck.

"Tch… it's unstable," Riven thought. He could feel the Azure Flame surging wildly inside him, like a storm threatening to consume everything.

"I need to control it—NOW."

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Power Explanation: Crimson Flame Techniques

Rael's Crimson Flame specializes in speed and offense, making him a devastating warrior in direct combat. Some of his techniques include:

Blazing Stride – Increases speed drastically by superheating the air around the user's body.

Flame Fang Slash – A sword strike infused with fire, capable of cutting through even steel.

Inferno Surge – A last-resort move where the user releases all stored energy in a single devastating attack.

Meanwhile, the Azure Flame is still a mystery—even to Riven.

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The Fight Continues

Rael dashed forward again, moving twice as fast as before.

"Blazing Stride!"

His Crimson aura intensified, and in an instant, he was above Riven, slashing down at full force.

"Azure Burst!"

Instinct took over.

A wave of blue fire erupted from Riven's body, knocking Rael back mid-air. The force sent him crashing into a stone pillar, but before Riven could recover—

"Flame Fang Slash!"

A crescent wave of fire came soaring toward him.

Riven crossed his arms, trying to block—

BOOM!

The attack sent him flying, slamming through a wooden door and out into the courtyard.

Smoke rose from his body as he struggled to stand. Rael walked forward, unscathed, his crimson flames dancing around him.

"This is bad." Riven clenched his fists. The Azure Flame gave him raw power, but Rael had experience, discipline, and full control over his element.

He was losing.

"If I don't do something now, I'm dead."

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A Desperate Gamble

The distant sound of horns filled the air.

"The Flame Hunters are coming," Rael muttered. "This ends now, Riven."

Riven's mind raced. He had one chance.

Closing his eyes, he focused on the Azure Flame within him.

Instead of letting it consume him, he tried to bend it to his will—to control the raging power inside.

His body tensed. His heartbeat slowed.

The blue fire dimmed…

Then, it IGNITED again—stronger, but refined.

"Azure Mode…"

His body felt lighter. The flames no longer burned wildly, but instead coated his arms and legs like armor.

Rael's eyes widened.

"Impossible…"

Riven vanished in a blur—moving faster than even Rael could track.

BAM!

A fist slammed into Rael's gut, sending him skidding back, his armor dented.

"You're not the only fast one, Rael!"

Before Rael could react, Riven unleashed a flurry of blazing punches, each one striking with precision and force, overwhelming Rael's defenses.

The final blow sent Rael crashing into a wall.

Smoke and fire filled the courtyard.

For a moment, silence.

Then, Rael slowly stood up, his expression unreadable.

"You're strong, Riven," he admitted. "Stronger than I thought."

Riven panted, sweat dripping down his face.

"Then stand down, Rael. Let me go."

Rael looked at him for a long moment—then smiled.

"I never intended to kill you."

Riven's blood ran cold.

"What?"

Rael raised his hand, revealing a Crimson Insignia glowing on his wrist.

"I was just keeping you here long enough for the Flame Hunters to arrive."

Suddenly, shadows moved around them.

Figures in black and red cloaks emerged from the darkness, their faces hidden by masks. Each of them radiated a dangerous aura.

The Flame Hunters.

The Order's elite assassins.

Riven's heart pounded.

"Damn it… I walked right into it."

The lead assassin stepped forward, his Onyx Flames flickering like liquid darkness.

"Riven Kaelstrade," he spoke in a low voice. "Your exile is permanent. Surrender now, or we'll make sure you never leave this city alive."

Riven clenched his fists. His flames burned, but his body was already exhausted.

"I can't fight them all… I need to escape."

But could he?

The Flame Hunters had never failed a mission before.

And now, they were hunting him.

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End of Chapter 2