Mutant awakening: My evolution knows no bounds

"This is no mere pet," Ozivox said coldly. His voice carried an eerie finality. "It is a part of me. I am one of the few generals who have mastered the art of mutant taming. Once you reach my level, a single touch can bond a mutant to you forever. Wing Razor has been with me for years — our souls are connected."

He raised his axe, the blade glinting under the pale light. His eyes gleamed with a dark confidence, reflecting his unwavering belief in his power. "But since you want a fair fight, I'll grant it. At least now, you'll have no excuse when I crush you."

Ozivox advanced, each step measured and deliberate. The ground beneath his feet seemed to groan under his weight. His fingers tightened around the axe handle, the leather grip creaking in response. The air grew colder, a biting chill that seeped into the skin. The wind whispered of the violence that was about to be unleashed.

Then, in a sudden burst, Ozivox dashed forward at a speed that defied belief. The shift was instantaneous, like a blur streaking across the battlefield. In the blink of an eye, he was right in front of Silas, his battle axe slicing forward with brutal intent.

The blade cut through the air with a whistle, and the sheer force behind the swing radiated outwards. Silas felt the danger crawling up his spine and barely managed to react in time. He shifted his body to the side, the axe missing him by the width of a hair.

As the deadly arc passed harmlessly by, Silas seized the opportunity. He gritted his teeth and swung his scythe with all the strength he could muster, aiming directly for Ozivox's exposed side.

But before the scythe could land its blow, Ozivox leaped backward with inhuman grace. Silas's scythe sliced through empty space, the blade humming in frustration.

"You are slow! Slow and weak!" Ozivox's voice dripped with disdain. His eyes burned with a cold, cruel fire. He lunged again, closing the distance in a heartbeat. The axe swung toward Silas with terrifying speed.

The sudden ferocity of the attack caught Silas off guard. At the last possible moment, he lifted his scythe, the blade angled defensively.

CLANG!

The impact of axe against scythe echoed like a thunderclap. The force drove Silas backward, his feet digging trenches into the dirt. His arms strained against the pressure, his muscles screaming in protest. Before he could recover, Ozivox was already in motion.

SLASH!

The axe struck Silas's chest, the blade tearing into his armor with a sickening crack. The chest plate shattered like fragile glass, and hot blood spilled down his torso. The blow propelled Silas backward with brutal force, his body crashing into a jagged rock. Pain flared through him as he crumpled to the ground.

"Ugh... this bastard is stronger and faster than me," Silas muttered through gritted teeth. His body trembled as he pushed himself upright, his vision blurring for a moment. But even as he stood, his injuries were already knitting themselves back together. Flesh mended, bones realigned, and in less than a minute, the wounds had vanished completely.

Silas exhaled sharply, the cold air filling his lungs. His eyes locked onto Ozivox, who stood several meters away, a sinister grin curling his lips.

"How the hell am I supposed to hit this guy?" Silas wondered, frustration coiling tightly within him. With a flick of his wrist, he dismissed his scythe. He clenched his fists, the knuckles cracking like small explosions. "I guess I'll have to rely on my fists until I find an opening."

Determination ignited in his eyes. He charged forward, the ground trembling under his feet. As he sprinted, a dozen clones materialized beside him, their forms shimmering briefly before solidifying. Together, they surged toward Ozivox like a tidal wave of fury.

Ozivox's eyes narrowed, his lips twisting in amusement. "I see you have some tricks up your sleeves," he sneered. His gaze flicked over the advancing clones. "Well, allow me to show you mine."

He raised both arms high, his fingers spreading wide. "Venomous spines!"

Dark, needle-like spines erupted from the ground in a wave, surging toward Silas and his clones like a swarm of vipers. Silas skidded to a halt, his boots scraping against the dirt. His clones, however, continued their charge.
Stay tuned for updates on empire

The spines struck with precision, coiling around the clones' legs like living chains. Razor-sharp tips pierced their skin before retracting back into the earth, leaving shallow wounds. The clones faltered, their bodies trembling violently.

Silas's eyes narrowed. "What's happening to them?"

The clones dropped to their knees, their limbs convulsing. Their eyes rolled back, faces contorted in confusion and terror.

"Venom," Silas realized. "They're paralyzed... and hallucinating."

The clones shook, their gazes wild with panic. In their minds, they saw Ozivox closing in, his axe poised for the kill. One by one, the hallucinations became real to them. They froze, unable to escape as Ozivox unleashed blasts of deadly lasers.

The clones disintegrated, each one wiped out with cold efficiency. In less than a minute, they were gone. Ozivox lowered his arms, his gaze shifting to where Silas had stood. But the spot was empty.

"Where did that little brat go?" Ozivox growled, his eyes sweeping the battlefield. His gaze flickered with frustration as he scanned every shadow.

A whisper of movement behind him caught his attention too late.

Silas emerged, his right fist clenched and glowing with brilliant blue energy. The power swirled around his hand, crackling like a miniature storm.

[Active Skill: Soul Jab has been activated.]

The energy surged brighter, the glow searing through the air. Silas's fist shot forward, propelled by pure determination.

BAM!

The punch connected with Ozivox's back, a shockwave rippling out from the impact. Ozivox roared, his body jolting forward as pain exploded through him.

Silas didn't hesitate. He dashed around to Ozivox's front, his eyes locked onto his target. His fist shot out again, smashing into Ozivox's head with a bone-crunching thud. The force drove Ozivox back, his feet skidding over the dirt.

Silas pressed on, his heart pounding. He closed the gap once more, his fist a blur as it collided with Ozivox's skull. The impact sent Ozivox staggering, his body struggling to stay upright.

Silas's fists stayed ready, his breath ragged. This fight was far from over.