[Swallowed Star] was a Spell that I created by using a black hole and a supernova as inspiration.
By combining both using [The Lovers], I was able to create a new Spell. I really had to thank my other self for thinking of doing this on his way back to rendezvous with me.
'The gravitational pressure will rip you to shreds, pulling you in to the explosion of a supernova.'
Even I wanted to see the outcome.
Edward gritted his teeth as he struggled to rise on his feet. It was impressive that he had such grit and power, enough to defy such weight.
But...
"[The Emperor]. [Judgement]."
... Those wouldn't be enough!
>BOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOMMMMM<
His body crashed to the ground, unable to resist my sheer domination, as well as the power that directly affected his mind and caused him to lose focus.
'He's stubbornly not using his full power yet.' My thoughts trailed.
'My Arcanas have limited effects on him currently, due to his current strength. I can only imagine what would happen if he chooses to unleash everything.'
Till then, however, I was just going to treat him as a ragdoll.
"Fall..."
My [Swallowed Star] descended upon Edward, who simply stood still as he watched the mass of destruction close in on him with dangerous foreboding.
'Really? You won't do anythi—?'
Before I could complete my thought, however, a sudden burst of energy surged from Edward, instantly eviscerating my [Swallowed Star].
"A-ahh... you bastard!" My eyes widened as I took in the miraculous white blast he emitted.
"You used [Rend] just now, didn't you?"
To think he was able to use [Rend], a mere Fundamental Precept, to destroy a Spell of such magnitude.
'That Swallowed Star could easily destroy a planet, you know??'
After all, I had amped it up with so many Arcanas, and this guy just swung his blade to eviscerate it.
How was that fair?!
"Haaa... it seems I have no choice but to use this form, after all." Edward's voice echoed as his form became manifest before me.
His body was shrouded in white energy, and his hair was currently white.
He had nothing on except his pants, leaving his bare chest exposed. The blade he wielded still remained on his hand, but it seemed more as an extension of himself.
'[Martial State], huh? Looks like he's getting serious...'
Since that was the case, I was going to use [Mage Mode] and [Martial State]. I could use the double boost, merely considering the kind of power I was sensing from Edward.
'Also...' I hid my grin as I watched him open his eyes to display the magnificent blue hue it radiated.
'... I might have to use 'that' one.'
With that in mind I braced myself as all the smoke cleared from Edward's surrounding, leaving him untainted amidst everything.
"It's my turn, Jared." As he uttered words, mist emerged from his lips.
"Don't expect to win now."
**********
Edward could feel power pulsating through his body.
This power would have been overwhelming to him in the past, but this time it only felt natural.
He was one with his power, with his blade, and with everything that stood at his disposal.
Using the power of Martial Sense, he could perceive everything around him with absolute precision.
He could also see overlapping events, like the immediate future and past of his opponents. He felt like he was connected to the events, frame after frame, and so he knew exactly what his opponent would do.
There were many variables, but as long as he could prepare for them and eliminate them at the branching off point, he could cut down his target.
And to do that, it was time to finally deploy his own techniques.
'After the Martial Blade God's final guidance to me, I recieved enlightenment...'
He was able to realize the path he had to take. It wasn't the same as the Martial Blade God—both in life and in Martial Art.
And that was why he could no longer use the Martial Blade God Technique.
Instead, he created his own.
Formulating his own Path by learning and merging forms of the Martial Blade God, while improving what he thought he could by breathing those techniques to perfectly attune them into his own body.
'I no longer need to try to match the Martial Blade God Technique. Instead... the path I made matches me.'
As a result, he could comfortably use any of his techniques... just the same way the Martial Blade God could use his.
"Path Of The Martial God King: Art Of Transcendence."
The strong influence of gravity instantly vanished, as he spread his Aether through the immediate vicinity, ridding it of any restrictions that would bind him.
Arcanas were sure not to affect him now, as he was now in total control of himself and his surroundings.
"I am the God King! I do not lose!" Roaring in declaration, he initiated his first strike, instantly closing the distance between him and his opponent.
'[Path Of The Martial Blade God: Art Of Severance]'
Tightly gripping his blade, while easily reading through the flow of the natural order of things, he easily spotted Jared and struck.
Absolute focus.
Complete dedication.
Unstoppable blow.
These three factors combined and formed a completely invincible blade.
And despite the power up that Jared was currently trying to realize, it didn't stop the strike from reaching.
"Die!"
>VWUUUUUUUUSSSSSSSHHHHHHH!!!<
Instantly, Jared's body was ripped to shreds, unable to withstand the powerful pressure of the overpowering strike.
In that moment, Edward found himself smiling.
His blade had finally reached Jared... and the young boy who lost pathetically to a Magic User in a Martial Arts duel completely vanished from his mind.
The young boy whose help was rejected by his own friend due to his weakness was also removed from his thoughts.
The older boy who powerlessly allowed his friend to die, unable to do anything about it was now purged.
Finally breaking through all the thoughts that held him down...
"I... I won.
... Edward finally found peace.
