The Rise of The Heavenly Demon God

A large magic circle spun in the air, emitting a blinding red glow. A powerful pressure filled the air, crushing every living being around it. A tall figure in a dark cloak stood beneath it, his red glowing eyes staring intensely at Alaric.

"Such a strong energy," Alaric murmured, his gaze sharp. "And this... feels very similar to the power that destroyed my palace."

The man in the dark cloak chuckled softly, his voice low but filled with intimidation. "So you still remember that destruction, Emperor? Good. This is only the beginning. This time, no one will save you."

He raised his hand, and the magic circle began to pulse, like a storm ready to explode at any moment.

Relentless Attack

Alaric stood still, seemingly analyzing every move of his opponent. Eldrin and Seraphina, who were still hiding behind the ruins, watched the scene with bated breath.

"That person's aura... it's too strong," Eldrin whispered, cold sweat beading on his forehead. "Even Alaric may not be able to defeat him."

However, Seraphina held her brother's hand tightly. "He will win. I believe in him. His Majesty is no ordinary man... not anymore."

Suddenly, the man in the dark cloak swung his hand, sending a massive red energy orb hurtling toward Alaric at incredible speed. The air seemed to vibrate as the energy approached.

[Technique: Shadow Demon Step – Basic Form: Activated.]

Alaric's body disappeared just before the energy orb hit the ground, causing a massive explosion that shook the village.

A Cat-and-Mouse Game

Dust and smoke enveloped the battlefield. From behind the smoke, Alaric's shadow appeared, moving with almost invisible speed. He slid toward the dark-cloaked man, his dark claws poised to strike.

However, the man simply smiled coldly. "You're fast... but not fast enough."

With a single motion, a small magic circle appeared around Alaric, trapping him in a space filled with red energy. Before Alaric could escape, an energy explosion occurred, throwing him harshly to the ground.

"Your Majesty!" Eldrin shouted, nearly rushing out from their hiding spot.

Seraphina held her brother back, tears in her eyes. "Believe in him! He's not defeated yet!"

Alaric slowly got up, breathing heavily. His tattered clothes were now even more torn, but his eyes remained sharp. He wiped the blood from the corner of his mouth and smiled.

"Good," he said softly. "Finally, a worthy opponent."

Unleashing New Potential

[Ding!] [Emergency Condition: New Potential Available for Access.] [New Skill: Demon Rift – A technique that utilizes pure dark aura to tear through space and time.]

Alaric closed his eyes for a moment, letting the swirling dark aura around him grow even denser. The air around him grew cold, and the ground beneath his feet began to crack.

The man in the dark cloak narrowed his eyes, his expression changing. "This... that power. You've started to rise again."

When Alaric opened his eyes, his irises had turned completely black, with red flashes in the center.

"I am not the Emperor you destroyed," Alaric said coldly. "I am more than that."

The Final Clash

Alaric stepped forward, and with a simple motion, he swung his hand. A massive wave of dark energy surged toward the dark-cloaked man, destroying every obstacle in its path.

The man raised his hand to block the attack, but the force of the wave pushed him back.

"Impossible! Your power shouldn't be fully restored!" he shouted, his voice filled with shock.

Alaric appeared behind him in an instant, striking his back with his dark claws. The man was thrown forward, crashing to the ground.

However, before Alaric could continue his assault, the large magic circle in the sky began to shine brightly, emitting unstable energy.

"If I must die, then I'll take you with me!" the man screamed madly. "This circle will destroy the entire village, along with you!"

A Thrilling Conclusion

Alaric stared at the magic circle, his eyes narrowing. "You're truly desperate."

Without hesitation, he leaped into the air, heading straight for the center of the magic circle. The dark aura around his body grew, creating a black shield that protected him from the energy bursting outward.

With a single powerful strike, he shattered the core of the magic circle, causing it to explode into fragments of light.

When Alaric landed, his body appeared weakened, but he stood firm. The man in the dark cloak lay motionless on the ground, barely alive.

"Your Majesty... did it," Seraphina whispered, tears streaming down her face.

However, before they could celebrate, another voice echoed from the shadows.

"Good job. But I'm afraid... this party is just getting started."

From the darkness, a new figure appeared—larger, stronger, and with an aura far more terrifying.

Alaric looked up, his eyes burning with an unquenchable fighting spirit. "Then let's begin the next round."