Doni gripped his knightly sword tightly, his eyes shining with an unprecedented brilliance.
"—I hereby swear, I forbid the existence of things I cannot cut!—"
"—O Sword that pierces enemies with but a single swing. For the sake of plundering all life from creation, shine with brilliance!—"
As the incantation flowed from his mouth, the magical energy in Doni's body surged violently. The power flowed into his hand, and in an instant, the arm holding the sword transformed into pure silver, shimmering like living liquid metal. Ripping Silver Arm—his favorite Divine Authorities belonged to the Fomorian god Nuada of the Tuatha Dé Danann, granting him a silver arm that could turn any object from a sword to a toothpick into an invincible blade.
"..."
Seeing that, Ren didn't stand idly by. A glint shone in his eyes, and he chanted his own incantation.
"—O sword born of miracles, your sharpness never fades, your power never wanes! Rise in my hand and embody unwavering justice. Cleave everything without mercy, as you are destined!—"
This was Ren's newest Divine Authorities, Everlasting Platinum, which he had obtained after defeating Roland, the legendary paladin of the Matière de France literature.
*BUZZ!*
The surrounding space vibrated intensely as the replica of Excalibur in his hand transformed. The previously cracked and fragile sword now morphed into an elegant one-handed western sword, with a crimson gem glowing on its hilt—the Holy Sword Durandal!
It was said that Durandal was an indestructible and invincible weapon, often compared to Excalibur as a symbol of everlasting power.
The Divine Authorities Everlasting Platinum had the ability to touch any object—be it ordinary things like wood, stone, or even natural elements like water or wind—and transform it into a Holy Sword possessing extraordinary sharpness and power.
"—O arm of Nuada, grant me the sword of victory!—"
Tremendous magical energy erupted from Doni's body, transforming into a shimmering silver light that enveloped his entire figure, making him appear like a war god descended to earth.
"—Indestructible blade, light that pierces the darkness! In every swing, let the enemy feel the ultimate limit of their existence. Now, shine once more, as a symbol of absolute victory!—"
Accompanied by a declaration-like statement from Ren's mouth, immense power surged from his body, a strong golden light radiating from Durandal, making the air vibrate intensely as if resisting destruction itself.
"...!!!"
After both completed their preparations, Ren and Doni swung their swords at their opponent simultaneously.
*SWOOSH!* *SWOOSH!*
Doni's slash left a deep trench in the ground, its silver light cutting through anything in its path with irresistible force. However, Ren's slash was far more terrifying—the golden light from Durandal not only shattered the ground but also tore the very fabric of space. Along the path of his swing, thin black rifts like torn cloth of reality were visible, revealing the void beyond.
'I have to endure if I don't want to die!' Both Ren and Doni thought simultaneously, realizing the danger of each other's attacks.
Without hesitation, they activated their respective Divine Authorities of Man of Steel.
Doni chanted his incantation rapidly:
"—Even if the body is crushed and scattered, the sword never dies! The broken blade shall be melted down in the furnace, forged once more to be reborn as a new sword! This level of flames cannot destroy me!—"
"—O blood of the evil dragon Fafnir, bestow upon me the fate of invulnerability—"
"—O mark of divine protection, become a wall of black steel!—"
His body radiated a denser aura of steel, strengthening his resistance to an almost impenetrable level.
On the other hand, Ren used the Divine Authorities Man of Steel, which he had seized from the Hero of Charity, Karna, for the first time.
"—Blessed by Surya, I am an invincible fortress! The light that protects me rejects all destruction, burning every malicious intent that approaches! Even the gods will witness that this body cannot be destroyed!—"
After activation, Ren's body began to change—bright red lines appeared on his skin, forming intricate geometric patterns like mystical tattoos. These lines crisscrossed his arms, chest, and back, resembling the patterns known on Gilgamesh from the Type-Moon world, radiating a strong and unwavering aura of protection. Plus, a golden earring in the shape of a yellow crystal ball like a miniature sun hung from his right earlobe.
*BOOM!*
The two slashes—one silver and one gold—passed each other in the air, creating an energy explosion that shook all of Greenwich. The silver light of the Ripping Silver Arm and the golden light of Everlasting Platinum collided for a moment before finally striking their respective targets with full force.
*Pu-chi!*
Ren was directly hit by Doni's slash. His Divine Authorities Man of Steel manifested Karna's golden armor and earrings—Kavacha and Kundala.
This divine protection reduced all attacks, both physical and conceptual, by 90%. However, the Ripping Silver Arm was no ordinary power. This Divine Authorities allowed Doni to transform anything he touched into the strongest sword capable of cutting everything—even rivaling the legendary Excalibur.
Although the power of the slash had been drastically reduced by the Divine Authorities Man of Steel, one-tenth of its original power was still enough to leave a wound on Ren's chest. A long red line appeared on his skin, blood seeping out slowly, but Ren remained standing firmly in his place, his breath ragged but his gaze unwavering.
*Pu-chi!*
On the other hand, Doni was in a much worse condition.
Everlasting Platinum was based on the Holy Sword Durandal, a symbol of pure power. It was said that Durandal had the power to split entire mountains with a single swing, and this Divine Authorities had been personalized by Pandora to suit Ren, granting it terrifying destructive power. Meanwhile, the Ripping Silver Arm was based on the Sword of Light Claíomh Solais, a Celtic mythical weapon also known for its ability to cut anything. Although both Divine Authorities had similar capabilities, there was a slight difference in their approach—Durandal relied more on raw power, while Claíomh Solais focused on conceptual cutting ability.
Doni's Divine Authorities Man of Steel transformed his body into a walking steel fortress, granting him incredible resilience. However, Ren's slash was too powerful to withstand completely. The golden light struck Doni's body, shattering the defenses protecting him.
*CRACK!*
The sound of cracking echoed from the invisible layer of steel that enveloped his body, and a deep wound appeared on his side, from his shoulder to his waist. Blood flowed profusely, and Doni staggered backward, his breath even more ragged than Ren's. Even so, he didn't collapse—his Divine Authorities Man of Steel ensured he wouldn't die as long as the power was active, but his injuries were clearly more severe than Ren's.
"Hah... Hah... Hah..."
Both stood in their respective places, panting heavily, with wounds from each other's attacks.
Ren's injuries were lighter thanks to the protection of Kavacha and Kundala, but the stinging pain in his chest was still real, a reminder that Doni was not an opponent to be underestimated.
Meanwhile, Doni held his wounded side, blood dripping to the ground, but the smile on his face did not fade.
"Hahaha... incredible, Ren! I didn't expect you to be able to wound me this badly!"
Ren wiped the blood from the corner of his lips, then smiled faintly.
"You too, Doni. Your sword is truly insane."