[Beast Mountain –Raon's room]

Ethan's determination surged as he clashed blades with Raon, feeling the adrenaline coursing through his veins, his every sense heightened in the heat of battle.

With a swift and decisive strike, Ethan aimed his sword at Raon's neck, intent on ending the confrontation swiftly and definitively. Drawing upon his power and speed, he unleashed a relentless assault with unmatched intensity.

However, Raon's agility proved to be his foil as he gracefully evaded Ethan's blade, effortlessly bending his body to avoid the lethal arc. In response, Raon countered with his katana, his movements dripping with arrogance and disdain as he looked down upon Ethan with a mocking smirk.

"Are you sure you want to refuse my offer, Ethan? Think about it again," Raon's voice dripped with malice, his words a taunting challenge.

"This is my response," Ethan spat back, his eyes ablaze with a crimson intensity that filled the air with palpable killing intent.

With a surge of energy, Ethan unleashed his crimson aura, its ominous glow pulsating around him like a tempest brewing on the horizon. Like a whirlwind of fury, he launched into a relentless onslaught of slashes aimed at Raon, each strike infused with his seething anger and unyielding determination, as he sought to shatter Raon's defenses and claim victory.

Unfazed by Ethan's fury, Raon remained composed even as his hands were sliced by Ethan's relentless assault, the wounds healing instantly as if they were never there. A wicked smile played upon his lips, relishing the challenge that Ethan presented.

With deft movements, Raon expertly parried each of Ethan's strikes with his katana, the clash of steel creating a cacophony of sparks and clangs. He taunted Ethan, his words dripping with sarcasm as he sought to goad his opponent into further rage. "Is that all the Phoenix's young master has to offer?"

An orange aura enveloped Raon as he sprinted towards Ethan, his intent clear as he aimed to continue the battle. However, his advance was abruptly halted by an unexpected intervention—a mysterious swordsman blocking his path. Frustration and anger surged within Raon as his carefully laid plans were thwarted by this unforeseen interference. With a glare, he fixed his gaze upon the interloper, who appeared nervous and intimidated by Raon's menacing presence.

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"He's in danger," Boris thought to himself, his heart pounding with anxiety as he witnessed Ethan's fierce battle with Raon.

Despite Ethan's insistence that he retreat, Boris couldn't ignore the overwhelming sense of concern for his friend's safety. Observing Raon's dominance over Ethan in their skirmish, Boris made a split-second decision to intervene, hoping to provide a crucial distraction that would afford Ethan the opportunity to regroup and recover.

Gripping his sword tightly, Boris stepped forward to block Raon's katana with his own, his hands trembling with fear as the clash of metal reverberated through the air with a deafening clang. A sharp jolt of pain shot through Boris as he struggled to maintain his stance, his resolve wavering as Raon relentlessly pressed his attack.

"You!?" Ethan exclaimed, surprise evident in his voice as he turned to see Boris stepping into the fray.

Boris's words cut through the tension, his voice quivering with urgency as he delivered his revelation. "Sir, the guildmaster is impervious in this state. His heart lies elsewhere, hidden from harm. Unless we destroy it, he cannot be defeated," Boris explained, his words tinged with desperation as he emphasized the gravity of their situation.

"You little insect!" Raon's voice thundered with fury, the venom of his hatred and contempt palpable as he glared at Boris.

With a savage exertion of strength, Raon sent Boris hurtling through the air like a discarded toy, his katana poised to strike. Intent on ending Boris's life for daring to intervene, Raon leaped forward with deadly intent, a sinister grin twisting his lips as he unleashed a vicious downward slash with unparalleled speed and precision.

Boris's heart pounded with terror as he braced himself for the inevitable. Knowing he stood no chance against Raon's overwhelming power, he closed his eyes, his mind racing with regrets and unfulfilled wishes. He wished he could have lived a life free from fear and regret, but now, facing the imminent threat of death, all he could do was brace for the inevitable impact of Raon's blade slicing through the air.

"S...Sir," Boris gasped, his breath catching in his throat as he beheld Ethan standing protectively before him.

Ethan's act of shielding Boris with his sword sent a jolt of pain coursing through him as he intercepted Raon's katana. Though blood dripped from his wounded shoulder, Ethan paid it no heed, his focus unwavering as he met Raon's gaze with steely determination, prepared to retaliate.

"Go find my teammates," Ethan commanded, his voice resolute and authoritative, as he urged Boris to seek safety and assistance for their allies.

"Understood, sir," Boris replied, his voice tinged with gratitude and obedience as he acknowledged Ethan's command without hesitation.

"You insignificant pest!" Raon's enraged roar echoed through the air, his fury boiling over as he attempted to charge towards Boris, intent on delivering a final blow.

"And just where do you think you're off to?" Ethan interjected, his voice resolute and defiant as he stepped into Raon's path, blocking his advance with unwavering determination. Refusing to yield an inch, Ethan stood firm, determined to prevent Raon from reaching Boris and ensuring the safety of his companions.