The Broken Halo

Akaza looked down at his glowing token.

The number two had appeared on its surface.

He raised his head and glanced toward Stage Two, then his gaze moved to the demon walking toward the same stage.

His opponent was a Supreme Archfiend with dark grey skin and a large axe resting on his shoulder. The demon’s body was thick and filled with muscles, while several old scars covered his arms and chest.

The axe was almost as tall as its wielder. Its broad blade had several dark stains on it, and from the way the Supreme Archfiend carried it, Akaza could tell that it was not merely for show.

Akaza started walking.

As Akaza and the Supreme Archfiend walked toward the stage, the Archfiend looked at Akaza’s wrapped fists before glancing at the axe on his shoulder.

A mocking smile appeared on his face.

”Fists against an axe?”

He removed the weapon from his shoulder and held it with both hands.

”I’ve always found you fist users repulsive. I’ll start with your fingers.”

He grinned wildly, but Akaza did not respond.

He entered Stage Two, and the Supreme Archfiend entered from the opposite side. The red barrier rose around them and curved inward until the battle stage was completely sealed.

The moment the barrier closed, the Supreme Archfiend attacked.

He stepped forward and swung the axe at Akaza’s waist.

The blade cut through the air with a deep whistle, but Akaza did not move backward. He stepped closer instead, entering the space between the axe head and the demon’s hands.

The Supreme Archfiend’s eyes narrowed.

Akaza drove his fist toward his chest.

Bang!

The demon removed one hand from the axe and blocked with his forearm. The force behind Akaza’s fist made him slide backward, but he twisted the axe before Akaza could follow him.

The lower part of the shaft struck Akaza’s ribs.

Thud!

Akaza shifted slightly from the impact.

The Supreme Archfiend grinned and swung the axe upward. Akaza tilted his body, and the blade passed close to his chin before cutting through several strands of his hair.

Akaza’s fist moved at the same time.

It struck the demon’s jaw.

BAM!

The Supreme Archfiend staggered, but his grip on the axe remained firm. Blood appeared at the corner of his mouth, and the mockery in his eyes disappeared.

He finally understood that Akaza’s strength test had not been an exaggeration.

Akaza was only using his raw physical strength and not his demonic energy, but every punch he received made it feel like he was hit by a truck.

The Supreme Archfiend gritted his teeth and Akaza rushed forward.

His fists moved in quick succession, targeting the demon’s ribs, chest, and throat. The Supreme Archfiend used the axe shaft to block two punches, but the third slipped through and struck his stomach.

Bam!

His body folded slightly.

Akaza raised his knee, but the demon reacted quickly and placed the flat side of his axe between them.

The knee struck the weapon.

Clang!

The Supreme Archfiend was pushed backward, his boots scraping across the floor. Before Akaza could close the distance again, a dark silver glow spread from the demon’s hands and entered the axe.

The weapon released a sharp metallic sound.

The chipped parts of its blade became smooth, while the edge grew thinner and brighter. Dark silver energy also spread across the Supreme Archfiend’s arms, forming a layer that looked like metal beneath his skin.

Akaza’s gaze sharpened.

’Metal affinity.’

The Supreme Archfiend swung the axe again.

This time, the blade released a thin silver arc that travelled toward Akaza’s chest. Akaza lowered his body, and the arc passed over him before striking the red barrier.

Clang!

The entire barrier rippled.

The Supreme Archfiend had already followed behind his attack.

He brought the axe down with both hands.

Akaza crossed his arms and moved to the side, but the silver blade still cut through the wraps around his left forearm. Blood appeared on his skin.

The demon did not stop.

He pulled the axe back and struck again, using short and brutal movements that gave Akaza little room to escape. The axe blade cut toward Akaza’s throat, chest, knees, and stomach without pause.

Akaza avoided the fatal attacks, but more shallow wounds appeared across his arms and side.

The Supreme Archfiend’s confidence returned.

”Hahahahaha! This is why a weapon is always better than one’s fists!.”

”You should have brought a weapon!”

Akaza ignored him.

The next swing came toward his neck.

Instead of dodging, Akaza raised his left arm.

The axe struck his forearm.

Clang!

A dark glow spread across Akaza’s tattoos at the moment of impact. Demonic energy reinforced his flesh and bones, but the axe still cut into his arm.

However, it was not deep.

The Supreme Archfiend smiled.

Then his expression changed.

Akaza had trapped the axe.

His left arm was pressed against the edge of the blade while his right hand grabbed the shaft. Blood flowed down his forearm, but his grip did not loosen.

The Supreme Archfiend tried to pull the axe out, but the axe did not move.

Akaza stepped forward and slammed his forehead into the demon’s face.

CRACK!

The Supreme Archfiend’s nose broke.

Before he could recover, Akaza twisted the axe shaft and pulled it downward. The demon tightened his grip, unwilling to release his weapon.

That was his mistake.

Akaza’s knee struck his stomach.

And this time around, Akaza used his demonic energy.

BAM!

Air and blood burst from the Supreme Archfiend’s mouth. His body bent forward, and Akaza drove his elbow into the back of his neck.

Bang!

The demon fell on one knee.

Akaza released the axe and punched him in the temple with his demonic energy enhanced fist.

BAM!

The Supreme Archfiend fell sideways but rolled immediately, avoiding a second demonic energy enhanced punch that struck the stage and cracked it.

BANG!

He rose with blood covering his mouth and nose.

His expression was cold, grave, and wary as he stared at Akaza who calmly stood and rotated his wrists with an indifferent expression.