In the middle of a crowd there were two silhouettes, the impact of their collisions sending reverberations throughout the area. Of the two, one was clad in a slight crimson glow, a runic character upon his chest flickering at the moment of impact, responding instinctively to its bearers will. The other was built like a bear, his runic character floating above, sending waves of pressure forcing everything under its influence to have difficulty moving, as if mired in a swamp.

Toale advanced at as fast as he could, the strengthening of his rune mitigated by Bryans technique. However, his speed was still faster than normal. Gripping his fist tightly, he ducked under Bryan's blow, spinning in an attempt to flank him. His elbow covered in blood red light as it crashed towards Bryans body. If the hit connected, despite Bryan's endurance as a Runic warrior, he would still expect to have his ribs broken.

But it's not going to be this easy.

Of all his peers, Bryan was the only one who's naturally endowed talents and training could match Toale. Gifted with a sturdy physique and nimble mind, he was further blessed with a mutated Rune. Sky’s Weight, he called it.

Sure enough, as he saw Toales elbow striking towards his ribs, he immediately lowered the pressure emitted by his runes while simultaneously pulling his left arm into a blocking motion.

The dispersed pressure affected Toales balance, causing him to slightly stumble. His elbow strike that was originally resisting the extra gravitational force as it flashed horizontally was now angled upwards. Bryans forearm rose to meet it and at the same instant both his feet left the ground. Rather than meet Toales body head on, he rebounded against the force to escape.

Shit. This is going nowhere.

In fact, Toale was stronger in close combat, his techniques varied and his body able to withstand Sky’s Weight while simultaneously raising his strength and agility above Bryans. As they were both close combat fighters, this gave him a deadly edge. However, the randomly varying gravity that threw off his balance and aim not only foiled his attacks but created opportunities for Bryan's counterattacks. The result was a deadly dance where a single blow could end it all.

“Haha, look at them go.”

“Go for it Bryan, my moneys riding on you.”

“You fool, Toales the captain's nephew, obviously he’ll win.”

Encouraged by the crowds cheers, both of them felt their blood roil. Toale felt light headed from the excitement and fierce battle. However, without realizing it his heart started pumping slower. The rapid beats replaced by deep sonorous pumps that forced blood to circulate. Filled with battle lust, Toale felt his eyesight dim, covered with a veil of crimson.

This tale has been unlawfully obtained from Royal Road. If you discover it on Amazon, kindly report it.

KILL!!

His stances forgotten, Toale charged forward, disregarding the increased gravity. His body was pressed close to the ground as he speared forth with an even faster speed - a crimson trail left by the extreme velocity. Reaching Bryan, he was met with a kick that sweeped towards his hips. Toales right foot pointed inwards as he stopped his charge instantly, his muscles straining from the sudden movement.

His body faced towards the incoming leg with his right pointed towards Bryan's chest. Raising one arm to block the kick with a clawed hand, his other hand took the form of a spear as it aimed for Bryan's chest like a poisonous snake. Faced with such a situation, Bryan didn't even have the time to control his rune as he crossed his arms in front of him, protecting his vitals. It was at this moment the kick connected, Toales bones making a creaking sound as they were met with the fierce blow. Though Bryan had a mutated support rune, all Runic Warriors had the aptitude to enhance their bodies, with Body Enhancing Runes having the greatest talent.

Blood flew as Toales spear hand connected with Bryan's crossed arms, his skin splitting before the crimson glow. Before the hand could move further, the impact of Bryan's kick lifted Toales body into the air, throwing him away - Toales hand dyed in crimson as the impact caused him to gouge through Bryans forearm horizontally.

“Hey. That's enough. There's no need to go that far you two.”

Bryan's arm was bleeding and it was obvious that Toales left arm was hurt from the kick. Typically this was beyond the point at which the match would end. However, Toales mind was blinded with bloodlust, a savagery gnawed at his mind subduing his sanity. His view crimson as he glared at Bryan.

The side effect of the Blood Demons Crazed March, a side effect that emerged only after awakening. Toales uncle had not mentioned this to him and as a result he was caught unawares, his mind easily conquered. Low guttural growls emerged from his throat, too low to hear as he once again charged, his speed reaching new heights. Blood Demons Crazed March, a Dance that harmed the body to kill the opponent eventually turning the warrior into a crazed demon.

“Someone stop them!”

The spectators immediately surged forward. They were mercenaries that had long since awakened and each was strong enough to fight both Toale and Bryan together without losing ground. It was no surprise then when Bryan was restrained while Toale had to be pinned down.

“Whats going on!” an authoritative voice silenced the throng of mercenaries. The voice causing Toale to break out of his trance, immediately shouting as his body was assaulted by waves of pain.