The clash of metal echoed through the air as Luther and Aaron faced each other, swords drawn and eyes locked. With a swift step back and forward, Luther aimed his blade at his brother's neck.

Aaron deftly parried the attack, causing a spark of lightning to appear.

With a quick movement, Aaron pulled his sword away from parrying Luther's blade, then delivered a vertical slash that Luther countered by stepping side, leaving Aaron momentarily open.

Luther took another step forward and delivered a swift kick to Aaron's kidney, causing him to gasp for air. Seizing the moment, Luther landed a punch on Aaron's face with his left hands, making Aaron's nose bleed.

Luther didn’t cease until Aaron staggered backward, struggling for breath. As Aaron ducked Seth's attack, he countered with a knee to Seth's chest, the impact resonating with a booming sound, sending Luther crashing into the forest. The impact sent waves of trees flying from Luther’s collision, yet Aaron wasn’t finished.

Summoning the water and lightning elements, Aaron caused dark clouds to gather, and rain fell heavily, drenching the forest and tearing against the trees.

Before he could act, Seth seized the opportunity, appearing behind Aaron, his white sword glowing with pure mana as he aggressively slashed at his brother's back, causing warm blood to spray.

Aaron shouted, “Domain!” A lightning dragon appeared in the sky, and he called for “Domain imprisonment”, ensnaring Luther in chains of lightning.

Pointing his sword at Luther, the lightning dragon collided with him, creating a deafening thunder accompanied by a bright white light.

Seconds before Aaron's attack, Luther's mana had already fused with the surrounding lightning. Aaron couldn’t have known, with his life at stake.

"Disperse!" Luther uttered those exact words just before Arron lightning attack hit him, transforming it into a blinding light, followed by a thunderous explosion.

"Come on!" Luther shouted. This wasn't enough. He needed more, needed to stand at the door of death. Luther willed his essence to strengthen his body, abandoning his mana and his sword

He appeared right in front of Aaron and punched through the lightning surrounding him.

Bang! His fist met Aaron's face, blood streaming down, leaving Aaron dizzy. Another punch followed by another, Luther drawing more blood, a twisted smile on his face as his eyes began to glow with each strike. With each blow, Luther's mind screamed, "More! I need more! Come on, is that all you've got?"

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"Come on, is that all you've got? Don’t tell me those three years you didn’t improve. Show me!" Luther screamed, his eyes turning red, blood trickling from them. He stared into Aaron's eyes, waiting for something—a will to fight. He knew Aaron had the ability to push him to his limit since he hadn't used his internal mana or essence. Waiting for five seconds, Aaron whispered.

"I'm sorry for your loss. I know I wasn’t there, not even when you were put away," Aaron said, blood mingling with a smile on his face.

Hearing Aaron's answer, Luther pushed his emotions down, but that only fueled his frustration more. The hatred in his heart burned like a volcano. He dropped Aaron, covered in blood, and looked at the students of the Beast Sect.

"Should I kill them? Maybe then Aaron would actually fight me. No," Luther thought. A voice, his inner demon. Then he whispered, "It wouldn't be worth it."

Then he flew away to cool off his mind.

Clive Perspective:

"The storm, the water, wind, and lightning—all gone just like that," Clive observed, noting Seth's chest indentation smeared in blood, Aaron's back bearing a gaping sword wound, and Luther's irritated expression. "And Aaron, despite being covered in his own blood, is still smiling. I can never understand people," Clive pondered, his expression reflecting confusion.

Surveying the aftermath, I realized the fight had concluded. "Alright, the show's over. Start setting up camp before nightfall. Wolves attack in packs at night, so be cautious." I instructed the students.

"Aaron is undeniably strong. He manipulates mana to create a domain, enhancing his overall power. Yet, he couldn’t match Luther in speed and technique. Luther's attacks, unlike Aaron's werent flashy moves,they are designed to kill. When Luther uttered 'disperse,' I couldn’t grasp its meaning until it was too late," I analyzed, intending to dissect his attack further.

Suddenly, the overweight student interrupted, "Stop staring into space, you skinny moron," between mouthfuls of food. Before I could retort, he added, "Senior Luther is incredibly powerful. His attacks are unique and hard to predict. In the end, Aaron lost control of his lightning."

"Good observation," I responded with a smile. "David might indulge in eating all day, but unquestionably, he's a battle enthusiast."

Clark Perspective:

"Following the clash between Luther and Aaron, the 53 students began setting up their tents, visibly shaken by the extraordinary display of power."

"Amazing," I muttered to myself, contemplating their power, the ability to be gods among men. "I never sought such power for myself. I aim to protect the weak, shielding them from monsters," I affirmed, casting my gaze around.

Turning to my left, I spotted a barbarian, a wild-looking individual, and I decided to engage in a conversation. "Why do you pursue power?" I asked, sensing a hint of pride from him.

"I recognized that feeling all too well—the air of superiority, a man above man. The barbarian emitted the same energy. He towered over me, and his eyes were filled with belittlement" I pondered his response while waiting.

"Who cares? The reason for pursuing power doesn't matter. What matters is possessing and controlling the power you seek," he gruffly retorted.

"Interesting. Are you suggesting there's no necessity for a reason in seeking power?" I asked him, studying his demeanor.

He nodded in response, then strode toward his already assembled tent. "You're wrong," I called after him, ensuring he heard me. And I think he did.

"Without a purpose, a cultivator loses their drive to pursue that power," I said with sadness, before entering my tent. "Just like my dad."