Arkhos, smiling and eager to see his son perform at his best after his promise, placed a hand on Draygon's shoulder and said,"It's time to begin the fight."
Then he turned and added in a firm voice,"Follow me."
He led the way toward a hall at the far end of the underground chamber. Upon arrival, he opened a heavy metal door that slid aside with a soft metallic hum.
On the other side stretched a colossal training hall. The walls and floor were made of the same dark metal as the previous chamber, but here it shimmered with a special intensity, as if no one had ever set foot inside.
"This is our family's training ground. What do you think?" Arkhos asked.
"It's perfect… but it looks like it's never been used," Draygon replied, intrigued.
"The last time anyone used it, it was me. And I left it completely destroyed," Arkhos said with a half-smile. "I fought your mother's father here to earn her approval as my wife."
"You fought Grandfather Eldorm here?" Draygon asked, surprised.
"Yes. We nearly destroyed the palace," Arkhos laughed nostalgically. "This place can handle certain levels of power, but once you push too far… nothing is truly indestructible. Still, don't worry—you won't destroy it today. And if you ever do, I'll be proud of it."
"I would have loved to see that fight. But let's not waste time. Let's start now, Butser," Draygon said, turning to face him with determination.
"I'm ready," the giant replied, slamming his rocky fists together with a resounding crash.
"Then begin whenever you're ready," Arkhos announced, stepping back to give them space.
Draygon took the first step, his fists engulfed in flames—the divine fire inherited from his father burned fiercely. He advanced toward his opponent, launching a rapid flurry of fiery punches. But his blows barely affected the rocky body of his opponent. Butser hardly moved.
Then, with a single direct strike to the abdomen, Butser sent him flying through the air, slamming him against the wall with a harsh crash.
"You're stronger than I imagined… or maybe I'm weaker than I thought…" the young god muttered, struggling as dust fell around him.
He looked to his father, watching silently from a distance. That glance was enough to push him to his feet immediately. He wanted to prove he was serious and willing to give everything.
Once standing, he attacked again. This time, he feinted a straight punch to trick Butser. But just before impact, he spun on his axis and delivered a side kick with his leg engulfed in flames. The strike hit his opponent's face directly, forcing him to close his eyes instinctively against the searing heat.
When he opened them, Draygon was no longer in front of him.
He was above.
He had propelled himself with such force that his feet clung to the metal ceiling. From there, he launched a blindingly fast descent toward his opponent.
Butser had no time to react.
The flaming fist struck his head full-on, destabilizing him. Without missing a beat, Draygon spun on his own axis and delivered a powerful downward kick that sent Butser crashing backward onto the ground with a brutal thud.
Arkhos was impressed by his son's combat skill. Though he had yet to gain significant power, he knew how to move and fight intelligently. He smiled at the precision and agility of his son, capable of facing Butser despite the difference in strength.
"Not bad…" he murmured to himself, a wide smile crossing his face.
Butser began to rise slowly. His enormous size, usually intimidating, now seemed a disadvantage against the young god's speed.
"Good move, young Draygon. I won't let my guard down again… I didn't expect those kinds of maneuvers, I must admit," he said firmly, pounding his fists together.
The huge, rocky Butser flexed his neck, the sound of stone grinding against stone resonating through the hall.
"Let's see how you defend yourself now. Time for me to get serious," he said, before lunging at the young god with surprising speed for someone his size.
Draygon barely had time to react. He hadn't expected such swiftness from someone so massive. The direct strike to his ribs was brutal. He couldn't dodge or block it in time, but this time he didn't get sent flying. He planted his feet and absorbed the impact with his entire body, surprising Butser.
Taking advantage of the proximity, Draygon grabbed the giant's arm and, summoning all his strength, pulled him close to land a powerful punch with his flaming fist. The impact was more effective than expected: for the first time, Butser showed signs of pain.
However, the cost was high. The extreme exertion and force of the collision took their toll. The young god fell to his knees, blood spilling from his mouth, and moments later lost consciousness.