Chapter 18: The Battle To Death
The air was electric with tension as the Stanforce faced off against Death. Adeath, determined to take down the villain, launched a surprise attack with his blood magic. He unleashed the blood sensitivity mode, his eyes turning a deep, piercing red as he attempted to control Death's blood.
"You foolish mortal," Death sneered, his voice dripping with contempt. "You think you can manipulate my blood? I'm a blood attuned, just like you. My blood will never be controlled."
Adeath smiled, a hint of mischief in his eyes. "I'm not trying to control your blood, Death. I'm trying to make you feel the true meaning of pain."
Death's eyes widened as he felt Adeath's magic take hold. His body began to tremble, his movements slowing. Adeath took advantage of the momentary lapse and commanded his team to attack.
Valkyrie unleashed a tornado burst, her sword flashing in the dim light. Gregeel wrapped his metal magic around Death, holding him in place. DragonKnight combined flame burst with light beam, creating a blast of energy that threatened to consume Death. Crescent corrupted Death's mind, making it difficult for him to focus.
The attacks landed simultaneously, and for a moment, it seemed like Death was defeated. The Corpse members watched in horror as their leader's body began to disintegrate.
But Death's laughter echoed through the room, sending chills down the Stanforce's spines. "HAHAHAHAHA!!!" He reappeared behind Gregeel, executing a burning flare attack that melted the metal magic and sent Gregeel crashing to the ground.
"One down, four more to go," Death taunted, his eyes gleaming with malevolence.
The Stanforce regrouped, determined to take down Death. Crescent suggested a new plan, using his illusion to hold Death in place while the others launched a combined attack. DragonKnight rushed in to support Valkyrie's Milky Way attack, a powerful blast of water and wind infused with fire and light.
Adeath delivered his Bloodlust magic, immobilizing Death once more. The ultimate attacks landed, and for a second time, Death's body seemed to disintegrate. But again, he reappeared, mocking the Stanforce.
"You think you can beat me with the same strategy? Don't you have anything better?" Death sneered.
The battle raged on, with the Stanforce fighting valiantly. But Death's power seemed endless. He rushed to Crescent and Valkyrie, striking them down with a single swipe.
"Three down! Two more to go!" Death yelled, his voice echoing through the room.
Adeath and DragonKnight were the only ones left standing. Adeath knew they were running out of time.
"We have to end this, DragonKnight," Adeath said, his voice firm. "I have one last trick up my sleeve."
DragonKnight's eyes widened in horror as Adeath revealed his plan. "No, Captain! Please don't say you're going to use the Blood Contract Magic!"
Adeath nodded, his eyes locked on Death. "It's the only way, DragonKnight. When I'm gone, you must lead the team. Promise me you'll protect the King and Gaia."
DragonKnight's face contorted in anguish. "Captain, no! We can do this together!"
Adeath's expression was resolute. "We've run out of time, DragonKnight. This is the only way."
Death, sensing Adeath's determination, took a step back. "Ah, I see. You're planning to end your life along with mine? How... noble."
Adeath's eyes flashed with determination. With a deep breath, he cast the Blood Contract Magic. The air seemed to vibrate with energy as the magic took hold.
"CAPTAIN!!!!!!!!!!!!!" DragonKnight screamed, his voice echoing through the room as Adeath's body began to glow with a fierce, crimson light.
The outcome of the battle hung in the balance. Would Adeath's sacrifice be enough to defeat Death, or would the villain emerge victorious? The fate of the Stanforce, the King, and Gaia hung precariously in the balance.