"So race doesn't matter to you, I see. You've gone the way of the ashes, and you dare to look down on us, but in reality, you're the one who's more misguided than everyone else. Because of people like you, our race cannot achieve true might!" The leader of Ashens said menacingly. His name was Rai Oslok.

"Huh, you once again confirm that you are fools with your words. Yet one would expect no other from those who have chosen the flame. You are a disgrace to our race."

"Watch what you say. You talk nonsense and believe it like a fanatic. Why should we choose such a difficult and unnatural path of ash if we are born with the ability to control the fire?"

"Isn't it obvious? Ashens, then, what path should we have but ashes? Only by going through hardship and suppressing the flames can we achieve greatness. Though my words are superfluous, now you will see for yourself." Forgotten uttered, and his aura began to intensify. He decided to activate his Beyond.

"You want to fight? Well, to hell with seizing territory. Now we're going to have a deadly duel!" Rai uttered and beckoned for the others to step aside.

Wain did the same. He saw in Forgotten's eyes the confidence and unwavering desire to win. It was a battle of ideologies, which was even more important than life for some.

Rai's aura also began to grow in response. They were not going to hold back and wanted to demonstrate the full power of flame and ash.

Forgotten's eyes glowed, and the silhouette of a dragon appeared above him.

Rai's sword was covered in massive white flames, and he was wearing the armor of bright fire. It was like a small, cruel sun, capable of burning an entire world.

Forgotten tilted his sword slightly, and their silhouettes blurred. They collided at the border between the two spaces and furiously began to attack each other.

Particles of ash flew from Forgotten's side, and some of the monsters had to run aside to avoid injury.

Every time Rai swung his sword, he created a wave of fire, and the flames flew aside, melting the ice.

Their attacks were powerful not only because of the flames and ash but also because of their mastery and incredible physical strength.

They knew how to move and at what moments to attack. Their swordsmanship was at about the same level.

"Wain, maybe we should step in." Elegan suggested.

historical

"Don't be ridiculous." Frigus replied sharply.

"I don't understand the nature of their conflict, but this is a fair and just fight. We have no right to interfere in this, even if either of them would be in mortal danger. If we kill the enemy leader now, it means we don't care about Forgotten's feelings and ideals. Can we do that?" Wain pronounced intently, watching the fight.

"Elegan, just relax and have faith in our fighter." Reto said, smiling and headed in the opposite direction of the fight, "Okay, from the looks of things, they'll figure it out without us. I've got things to do, so goodbye."

Along with Reto, several of the Dark Elves who had come to help left. They agreed. Even if they had wanted to join the battle, they would not have done so. They understood that any accidental attack could have killed them just by being around. This fight was way out of their league.

Frigus and Wain watched the duel closely. They were both swordsmen to some degree, and the sword was their primary weapon. Forgotten's and Rai's mastery was superior to theirs, and both Wain and Frigus wanted to learn something.

Wain had recently discovered his Martial Essence. It had to do with the sword, meaning that by improving his understanding of swordsmanship, he became stronger in several aspects at once.

"And that's all you can do?!" Rai shouted, creating a blast of fire, "Isn't swordsmanship a strength of those who have gone the way of the ashes? Why then do you have trouble blocking my attacks?"

p "All you can do is rely on your flame. Your sword grows weaker with every rebuffed blow." Forgotten said coldly.

"What?!" Rai exclaimed, and suddenly Forgotten turned around.

The image of the dragon on his robe glowed brightly, as did his eyes. He disappeared and, a moment later, was behind Rai, swinging his sword forward.

Rai cried out in pain and jumped aside. Forgotten gave him a deep cut that bled profusely. Rai had only one option, use the flame and cauterize the wound.

He clenched his teeth and did it with difficulty to endure the terrible pain, but it was worth it. Now he didn't have to worry about bleeding.

"It was only a simple movement, and you were already at death's door. Is your flame really only good for this purpose?" Forgotten scoffed at Rai.

"Shut your mouth. I'll burn you and be done with it." Rai roared like a wild beast, and the flames on his sword and armor intensified, and his hair caught fire.

They clashed again in a duel every second, creating a powerful shockwave from a series of sword blows.

"Something's bothering me." Elegan muttered.

"What is it?"

"The zone upgrade could end at any moment, and when the spatial barrier is restored, the portal will close within a minute. The enemy knows this and may try to delay Forgotten and kill him in their territory."

"Don't worry about that. I don't plan on interfering with their battle, but only as long as the rank advancement process is underway. Once that's over, there's no point in them fighting anymore. I'm sure Forgotten understands this as well, and that's why he has accelerated. He knows that staying in enemy territory is like suicide."

"We won't have to wait long. It will be over soon." Frigus said, intently watching the battle.

"Good if it is." Elegan said uncertainly. He felt that it was necessary to act as safely as possible rather than focusing on ideology and justice. In his opinion, there was no honor in death.