Above the ocean, the sun presided with unwavering constancy, a luminous beacon heralding the day's untold stories and awaiting adventures.

On the fringe of the shore, Toga dedicated himself to the art of refinement, his demeanor a study in serene focus. Cast aside, his usual attire of a dark cloak and white shirt lay forgotten on the sand, revealing a physique sculpted by discipline and the caress of countless suns. His trousers rolled up to stave off the embrace of the sand, and his feet, bare, embraced the warmth of the grains beneath him.

With his katana cradled in both hands, Toga assumed a posture of purposeful intent. The blade, poised steadily above him, caught the morning light, transforming into a mirror reflecting the brilliance of the day. He executed a series of strikes with precision and strength, each movement fluid and deliberate, the sword slicing through the air to return to its starting point in a seamless cycle. This ritual of fundamental exercises, the cornerstone of his practice, laid the groundwork for mastery, each repetition a step on the path to perfection.

"247…248…" The count ascended, each number marking the rhythm of his blade's dance, a silent testament to the dedication that defined him. In this moment, Toga was not just a aspiring swordsman but a disciple of discipline, his every motion a homage to the craft that shaped his destiny.

Kahu Beach was to be his training ground today, a constant reminder of how Luluhawa Beach had aided his growth over the past few months. When he wasn’t fulfilling his duties as a Rune Knight or honing his magic as a dragon slayer and world traveler, Toga spent his time here on this sunlit island, cultivating new experiences for himself and others. He had met many people: Lumikki, Yuurei, the village chief, and the chief’s daughter, among others. Now, he sought to repay their kindness by becoming stronger each time he set foot on these sandy shores.

For the moment, Toga was alone, training while Zangetsu rested by his side and he swung his fiery katana in controlled arcs. His nose twitched mid-swing. “Huh?” he muttered, sniffing the air with heightened alertness as a new scent drifted into his vicinity. Toga never questioned his senses and immediately recognized the arrival of a stranger. This scent was different, foreign, but undeniably powerful.

A spark of excitement lit his eyes as he gripped the hilt of his katana a little tighter. The thrill of an impending challenge pulsed through him. He didn't know who this mysterious visitor was, but he welcomed the encounter, eager to prove himself on these familiar shores once more. With a grin, Toga turned his gaze toward the beach's entrance, ready to meet his new potential adversary head-on.

---

wc: 470

The earlier stirrings of a potent orgone Tōga had sensed now fully materialized, emerging from the path that wove through sand and stone toward the beach. A formidable aura, unmistakable and overwhelming, swept over the area, instantly captivating the dragon slayer's attention. Tōga turned away from the idle sweep of his sword, his gaze drawn irresistibly towards this new force. His eyes, warm and animated, widened in recognition of a power he had encountered in its physical form only thrice before. It bore a semblance to the energies of Lumikki, Alisa, and Yuurei, yet it was distinct, even stronger in some abstract way—a singular manifestation of force that commanded attention without a word spoken.

The figure approached with determined strides, the stones crunching underfoot as he moved from the structured path to the soft embrace of the sand. Clad in what appeared to be attire born of battlefields past, the newcomer cut an imposing figure. Yet, there was something undeniably non-human about him, despite his humanoid silhouette. Tōga's senses, sharpened by countless encounters, told him this was no ordinary man. As the figure came closer, illuminated by the sun's rays and stepping out from the cast shadows, his features grew clearer, and Tōga's initial wariness transformed into a hesitant smile.

"Brone? Brone of Paradise Dawn? I’ve heard of you!" Tōga's voice boomed across the beach, his excitement causing his words to resonate through the air. In his early days as a Knight, Tōga had been somewhat naive to the intricate power dynamics that shaped the world, unacquainted with the individuals whose might could challenge nations and who wielded the force of armies single-handedly. However, continuous discipline and reminders from his General, Kon, about the importance of understanding these global intricacies had honed his awareness.

As the man confirmed his identity and association with his guild, Tōga's recognition clicked into place. "You’re so cool! I’ve been meaning to find you one of these days!" His enthusiasm was palpable, reflecting a genuine admiration. The figure before him, Brone, stood with the stature of a mountain, his presence as imposing as the tales that preceded him.

"So the rumors are true…" Tōga murmured, his gaze studying Brone with keen interest, taking in every detail of his appearance and the aura that seemed to shimmer with latent power. Even a cursory inspection was enough to tell Tōga that Brone's capabilities far exceeded his own, his power earth-shattering in its intensity.

For many, such a realization might spark despondency or even fear. Yet for Tōga, it kindled a different reaction—a burgeoning fire within, stoked by the thrill of challenge and the heat of potential rivalry. This encounter was not just a meeting of two powerful mages; it was a moment of ignition, where Tōga's competitive spirit flared to life, fueled by admiration and the relentless drive to reach new heights of his own power.

With a swift pivot on his heel, Tōga reached for his twin weapons, Rengoku and Zangetsu, drawing them into his grip as an observer stood rigid in the stands. He measured his steps carefully, establishing a prudent distance (15m) between himself and the formidable dwarf, Brone. As he drew in a deep breath, the tang of sea salt filled his lungs, sharpening his senses and steadying his resolve.

"You're strong—unimaginably strong!" Tōga exclaimed, his voice a mixture of awe and challenge as he acknowledged Brone's remarkable power. It thrilled him that a warrior of such caliber, a member of Paradise Dawn, had sought him out for this encounter.

Turning to face his presumed challenger fully, Tōga's expression was one of unyielding determination. Across the sandy expanse that served as their arena, he saw not just a rival but an opportunity. "I was looking to train in my swordsmanship, and you can definitely help with that!" he declared, his tone imbued with enthusiasm. The thrill of engaging in a true battle was enticing on its own, but the prospect of this duel serving as a crucible to forge his skills further was irresistibly compelling.

For Tōga, this was more than a mere confrontation; it was a confluence of fate and ambition, a chance to test his mettle against a peerless fighter while honing his own abilities. The anticipation of what he could learn from Brone, how he could grow from this challenge, electrified the air between them, promising not just a clash of steel but a transformative exchange of prowess and technique.

---

wc: 750 [1,22.]

---

Combat Log:

The serene expanse of Kahu Rock belied the tension in the air as two formidable warriors faced each other on the stretch of sand that bordered the temperate ocean. Despite the impending battle of titanic proportions, the natural world around them remained tranquil, the steady rhythm of the waves a sharp contrast to the storm of conflict that was about to erupt. The ocean, eternal and vast, held the secrets of countless such confrontations, none of which could rival the sheer force of Mother Nature herself. For every storm these warriors could summon, nature had unleashed countless more across the ages. Today, Earthland itself would serve as the grand amphitheater to this spectacle, with Strigr, the diminutive sea dragon, peering curiously from the water, her smooth head barely breaking the surface as she prepared to witness the clash.

On the shore, Tōga's gaze was locked on Brone, the dwarf whose reputation as a mighty warrior and potent mage resonated across the lands, stirring a mix of fear and admiration. Despite his compact stature, Brone's presence was colossal, his aura formidable enough to shrink the world around him. His physicality, though confined to a shorter frame, was packed with tightly coiled muscle that hinted at explosive power.

Grinning in anticipation, Tōga maintained his stance as Brone spoke. His voice carried a familiar cadence that piqued Tōga's interest, a fleeting reminder of something—or someone—familiar. "Hey, Brone-sama!" Tōga shouted across the distance, his voice carrying over the sound of the surf. "After this battle, I gotta question for ya!" he added, his mind teasing around a curiosity he wasn’t quite ready to voice. There was something about Brone that tugged at his memory, a puzzle he hoped the heat of battle would help solve.

As the confrontation drew closer, Tōga's attention was drawn to the glittering spear and shield that Brone wielded, both gleaming as if forged from pure gold. Yet, it was the crackling electricity dancing around the spear that truly captured Tōga's focus. This was no ordinary weapon; its energy pulsed with a palpable threat. Normally, Tōga would counter with magic, but today he chose to rely solely on his skill with his blades, a decision that made him tread more cautiously.

Suddenly, Brone surged forward, the sand billowing in clouds from the sheer speed of his advance. He aimed his electrified spear straight at Tōga's heart. Reacting with instinct honed by countless battles, Tōga pivoted sharply, sidestepping the lethal thrust. He stayed close to the spear's side, outside its direct path. Then, seizing the moment, he spun inward, bringing the edge of his swords, Zangetsu followed swiftly by Rengoku’s Kimetsu, in a sweeping, fluid motion aimed at Brone's flank. Each blade was a blur, slicing through the air with precision, as Tōga capitalized on their proximity to deliver what he hoped would be decisive strikes.

---

wc: 480 [1,700]

---

Combat Log:

The fluidity of Tōga's sidestep, followed by the whirlwind dance of his twin blades, would have overwhelmed a lesser opponent. But Brone, a dwarf whose reputation as a seasoned warrior echoed through the taverns and training yards, was a monolith of experience and fortitude. His senses, honed by countless battles against beasts and brigands alike, allowed him to anticipate and react with the agility of a seasoned dancer.

Zangetsu, the cleaver sword, whistled through the air, a glint of ebon on its sharpened edge, as it aimed for the dwarf's exposed flank. With a grunt of effort, Brone spun on his heel, his massive shield deflecting the blow with a resounding clang that sent echoes through the cavernous hall. However, the collision momentarily dislodged the shield, creating a fleeting opening for Tōga's second strike.

"Gotcha!" Tōga's eyes gleamed with a predator's focus as Rengoku's Kimetsu, the fiery katana, connected with Brone's armor. A flash of orange light erupted, revealing the weapon's devastating heat, a miniature sun scorching the frigid air. The icy remnants of Brone's armor crackled and warped under the onslaught, a testament to the Inferno Dragon Slayer's raw power.

Staggered by the unexpected assault, Brone stumbled back, his heavy boots scraping against the stone floor as he fought to regain his footing. Tōga, sensing an advantage, adjusted his stance, his gaze fixed on his opponent with the unwavering intensity of a hawk eyeing its prey.

"I'm honored, Brone-dono!" Tōga's voice boomed through the hall, a declaration of respect amidst the clash of steel. Brone, ever the pragmatist, shifted into a new stance, shield raised and knees bent, utilizing his lower center of gravity to counter Tōga's height advantage. A clever tactic, Tōga mused, evidence of the dwarf's tactical acumen.

Brone advanced, spear held low, its tip gleaming ominously in the light. His steps were deliberate and measured, each footfall a calculated move in a deadly dance. A sudden wave of lethargy washed over Tōga, an unsettling sensation that dulled his reflexes and slowed his movements. It was subtle, like a whisper in the back of his mind, but undeniable.

As Brone's spear lunged forward, a viper striking from the shadows, Tōga reacted instinctively. He sidestepped, the searing blade of Rengoku's Kimetsu igniting a burning barrier between them, a curtain of dancing flames that licked at the air with hungry tongues¹. But the spear, fueled by Brone's formidable strength and unwavering resolve, pierced the flames, its momentum only slightly diminished.

With a grimace of pain, Tōga twisted his body, desperately trying to evade the attack. The spear grazed his chest armor, leaving a shallow but stinging wound beneath his armpit, a scarlet reminder of the battle's intensity.

"Whatever you did to me, it’s making me slow!" Tōga's voice, a low growl laced with exhilaration, resonated through the chamber as he raised Zangetsu in a graceful arc concurrently. The blade, a canvas for swirling energies, hummed with a growing intensity². Particles of incandescent light danced along its edges, a prelude to the impending tempest.

Exploiting the dissipating remnants of his fractured fire shield as a veil, Tōga unleashed a blinding surge of radiant energy. The wave, a shimmering torrent of raw power, surged towards Brone, a silent predator seeking its prey. Tōga aimed not only to overwhelm the dwarf with its sheer force but also to siphon away his mana reserves, leaving him vulnerable and drained.

With the attack launched, Tōga retreated swiftly, a phantom dancer gliding across the stone floor. He put ten meters between them as swiftly as he could in his slowed state. He adopted a defensive stance, his senses heightened, ready to parry or counter whatever Brone might unleash in retaliation.

---

wc: 615[2,315]

---

Combat Log:

Mortals loved to flirt with the impossible, their hearts yearning for what lay beyond reach, their minds ignited by the siren's call of the unattainable. The yearning for what lay beyond reach was a primal instinct, an insatiable hunger that fueled both ambition and innovation. To experience firsthand the limitations of one's being—the inability to breathe beneath the waves, the chilling embrace of the sky when flight failed, the searing touch of fire—was a crucible that forged both humility and resolve, a testament to the indomitable spirit that resided within the human heart.

It was in these trials by fire, these moments of confronting the insurmountable, that the human spirit truly ignited, sparking new dreams and forging novel pathways of thought. For every challenge met, a new solution arose diving bells to explore the ocean depths, wings to conquer the heavens, and tools to harness the power of fire. Each perceived impossibility became a steppingstone towards a broader horizon of possibilities, a testament to the boundless ingenuity and resilience of the human spirit.

Such was the essence of Tōga's duel with Brone, a clash of wills against an adversary as immovable as a mountain, as unyielding as the earth itself. A crimson droplet, a poignant reminder of the dwarf's icy touch, fell from the gash beneath Tōga's armor, staining the sand below. Yet, the pain only fueled Tōga's curiosity, his admiration for Brone's enchanted armor growing with each revelation of its chilling properties. It was a marvel of craftsmanship, a testament to the power of magic, a chilling reminder of the challenges that lay ahead.

With a graceful backstep, a dancer's pirouette in the heart of combat, Tōga watched as his fiery wall dissipated, revealing the aftermath of his radiant assault. The dazzling spectacle of light, a miniature sun unleashed upon the battlefield, had enveloped Brone, but Tōga knew this was far from a decisive blow. The dwarf, bruised but unbroken, emerged from the maelstrom, his silhouette acting as evidence to his indomitable spirit and resilience.

"He truly is a force of nature," Tōga mused, his respect for his opponent deepening with every passing moment. He knew that Brone's resilience was not merely a physical attribute, but a reflection of an unyielding spirit forged in the fires of countless battles, a spirit that refused to be extinguished.

The dwarf, his armor bearing the scorch marks of Tōga's attack, wasted no time in retaliating. He advanced with a swiftness that belied his stocky frame, his spear a deadly extension of his will, a viper poised to strike. Tōga, sensing the impending strike, reacted with lightning reflexes, his instincts honed by years of training and countless battles.

He knew that a conventional defense would be futile against Brone's relentless assault. Instead, he opted for a daring maneuver, a gamble that would either turn the tide of the battle or leave him vulnerable. As the spear hurtled towards him, a golden streak aimed at his heart, Tōga vanished, his form dissolving into the shadows like a wisp of smoke.

A moment later, a silhouette materialized above Brone, a predator descending upon its prey. Tōga, defying gravity with a powerful leap, unleashed a flurry of blows, Zangetsu and Rengoku's Kimetsu striking in tandem^{1 & 2}, aiming for the armored crown of the battle hardened dwarf. It was a high-risk maneuver, a calculated stake that left Tōga exposed if it failed. But the dragon slayer thrived on such risks, his spirit ignited by the thrill of the unknown, the adrenaline-fueled surge of pushing boundaries.

Landing behind Brone, Tōga instantly reassessed the situation, his senses alert for any counterattack. The gamble had paid off, or it didn’t. That didn’t matter as the battle was far from over. He knew that Brone, a master of adaptation, would not be easily defeated. The dragon slayer steeled himself, his grip tightening on his blades, ready to face whatever challenge his opponent threw his way, his spirit ablaze with the unyielding determination to overcome the impossible.

---

wc: 668 [2,983]

---

Combat Log:

Landing with a soft thud behind the dwarven warrior, Tōga couldn't suppress a flicker of satisfaction as his twin strikes found their target. Zangetsu, his obsidian cleaver, sang against the breadth of Brone's helmet, a symphony of annihilation that left the metal groaning in protest. Though the blow hadn't shattered the headgear, it was undoubtedly worse for wear.

Before he could savor the moment, Rengoku's Kimetsu, a blade alight with infernal fury, joined the fray, crashing against the helmet with a force that reverberated through the air. The combined might of his weapons had surely left their mark, hadn't they?

But there was no time for contemplation. The mountain of a dwarf was already in motion, a whirlwind of power that defied his diminutive stature. Tōga let out a frustrated grunt as Brone ducked and spun, discarding his weapon in a move that was anything but a surrender.

In a heartbeat, the Dragon Slayer found himself recoiling as a crackling fist slammed into his chest, a thunderclap of electricity coursing through his body. Brone's strike had landed true, the proximity of their clash leaving Tōga no room to evade.

The impact shattered the Ryōhi armor protecting his torso, the once-impenetrable steel and clay crumbling like parchment beneath the dwarf's onslaught. Gritting his teeth against the searing pain, Tōga knew this duel was nearing its crescendo.

But he would not yield without a fight. With a feral roar, he swung both Zangetsu and Kimetsu in a desperate cross-slash, aiming to cleave his foe from either side. Fueled by adrenaline and the momentum of his assault, he poured every ounce of his remaining strength into the strike, hoping to turn the tide of the battle.

Regardless of the outcome, he would not falter. As he sprang back, putting ten meters between himself and Brone, his mismatched eyes gleamed with a fierce determination. Chest heaving, armor in tatters, Tōga braced himself for the dwarf's next move, ready to face whatever the lasting moments of this clash held in store.

---

wc: 349 [3,332]

---

Combat Log:

A single eye flickered closed, a testament to the exhaustion gnawing at Toga's core. Were it not for his unyielding spirit and the insatiable thirst for battle coursing through his Extinctas veins, Brone's relentless assault would have felled him long ago. Every clash of their weapons, every parry and riposte, had tested the limits of his endurance. Yet, even with his augmented strength and speed, the chasm between their abilities remained vast.

Brone, a seasoned warrior honed by countless battles, possessed a mastery that dwarfed Toga's nascent skills. The dragon slayer was but a fledgling taking his first flight, while the dwarf stood as a towering monolith, his experience an insurmountable ocean. Toga had always thrived on challenges, but this... this was a trial by fire, pushing him to the very brink of his capabilities.

As Brone's golden spear gleamed once more, Toga's instincts screamed a warning. With a guttural grunt, he contorted his body, narrowly evading the lethal thrust. The air whistled as the spearhead sliced through the space where he had stood a mere heartbeat ago, leaving a chilling reminder of his mortality.

Before Toga could regain his footing, Brone was upon him, his battered shield rising in a menacing arc. Expecting a brutal impact, the dragon slayer braced himself, only to be met with a deceptive feint. A split second later, a devastating punch slammed into his exposed abdomen, the force reverberating through his very being, a shockwave of pain that threatened to shatter his resolve.

A shimmering aura enveloped Toga, his Extinctas blood surging in defiance. The blow landed, but instead of crushing him, it ignited a spark of primal fury, momentarily amplifying his power. Yet, the surge was fleeting, the sheer force of the attack proving too much for even his enhanced resilience. He could feel the energy draining from him, the world blurring at the edges.

Toga collapsed to one knee, a pained cough escaping his lips as he clutched his stomach. Despite the agony, a weak smile flickered across his face as he met Brone's gaze. "G-good shot, Brone-sama!" he rasped, acknowledging the dwarf's undeniable superiority.

---

wc: 370 [3,702]

Heavy breaths hung in the humid air as Tōga supported himself on one knee, the weight of defeat pressing down on him. Each labored inhale and exhale seemed to echo the gravity of his situation. The battle was concluded, and with it, a barrage of emotions surged through him, tinting each thought with a shade of frustration. Despite his desire to rise and continue, his body refused, locking him in a posture of weary defiance. His mind raced, replaying the duel in vivid flashes—each scenario a testament to what might have been had he approached the fight differently.

Resting there, his thoughts spiraled into a cascade of possibilities, a labyrinth of theoretical outcomes where he might emerge victorious. Yet, the stark reality that underpinned his reflections was an unyielding truth: he was not yet strong enough. His choice to rely solely on his lesser-skilled weapon techniques in combat, rather than unleashing the full ferocity of his Inferno Dragon Slayer magic, had been a calculated risk—one that had not paid off.

Even if he had called upon the full breadth of his arcane prowess, Tōga couldn’t shake the gnawing doubt that victory might still have eluded him. Brone, the formidable dwarf he faced, likely had reserves of strength he hadn’t even tapped into. After all, one does not earn a reputation as a 'mountain' across Earthland without possessing the overwhelming force to back it up—force that isn't easily overcome, much less when one is merely testing the foothills.

Gratefully accepting the hand offered by Brone, Tōga pulled himself to his feet, his voice rough but imbued with genuine respect and a renewed spark of determination. “T-thank you, Brone-sama!” He managed a strained smile, his words threading through his exhaustion.

“You’ve given me a clear measure of the heights I must ascend. I’ll definitely take that drink now—and a rematch later, hahaha!” His laughter, though weak, carried a promise, a pledge to reach new levels of strength. In this moment, Tōga recognized not just his defeat but the path he must take forward—fueled not by despair, but by the instructive power of a well-met challenge.

---

wc: 385 [4,087]

-Exit