A Man Like None Other (Jared Chance) novel Chapter 5530

With only a single stride left between them, Jared lunged. Dragonslayer flashed forward—a streak of silver lightning aimed straight for Cormac's throat. Cormac's eyes flared wide. That the young swordsman could still muster an assault after enduring the previous shockwave was something he had never calculated.

He threw his body sideways, desperation twisting his cloak. The move came an instant too late.

Steel bit into his shoulder instead of his neck. Blood erupted—hot, bright, and sudden—spraying across the polished tiles.

A raw scream tore from Cormac's throat. Reeling, he staggered backward, boots skidding over the bloody marble.

Jared did not relent. He chased like a hurricane, Dragonslayer wheeling in his grip. Each cut released a crescent of sword-light that whistled toward the retreating hall lord. Cormac gathered what remained of his celestial energy, weaving a shaky barrier. But the reservoir was nearly dry; the wall he raised cracked before the first blade even struck.

One arc of light punched cleanly through his forearm. Another grazed his cheek, carving a crimson furrow from ear to jaw.

His frame wobbled like a dying tree. In that instant, he knew the balance of power had shifted beyond repair. "You win today," Cormac snarled, "but the Celestial Palace will not forget this insult!"

Hatred burning in his eyes, he spun and bolted for the shattered archway.

Jared watched the fleeing silhouette recede into shadow and chose not to give chase.

He understood that toppling one hall lord did not dismantle the palace; three more awaited beyond the horizon, each commanding armies of followers.

Yet fear never touched him. Power could be honed, and as long as he kept sharpening his own, no adversary would remain unbeatable.

"Jared, you okay?" Flaxseed puffed as he skidded to a halt, eyes scanning the fresh blood on his friend's sleeve.

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