Dullahan. One of the most powerful classes of undead in existence, standing alongside Arch Liches and Bone Dragons in the pantheon of creatures that could reshape battlefields through sheer presence alone.
'You're right about his power level,' Luna's voice echoed in my mind with grim urgency. 'Low Immortal-rank. The gap between you is... significant.'
Low Immortal-rank. The chasm between my mid Ascendant-rank and his level was vast enough to make this confrontation border on suicidal. An Immortal-rank entity possessed capabilities that transcended normal magical categories entirely.
'And this is a Dullahan born from failed duty,' I thought grimly. 'The worst kind—driven by eternal guilt and supernatural compulsion to fulfill oaths that can never be completed.'
I might be completely fucked if I were facing this alone. Fortunately, I wasn't entirely without backup.
'Unfortunately, your companions are all currently engaged with their own threats,' Luna informed me, dousing cold water on my hopes for immediate reinforcement. 'You're effectively on your own for the moment.'
'I seriously don't want to go into a coma again,' I thought, remembering the agony of magical overload during the Divine Beast ceremony.
'I can't believe that's what you're worried about instead of dying,' Luna replied, her mental voice carrying obvious appall at my priorities.
Die? That seemed unlikely. I had methods that could potentially kill an Immortal-rank opponent—unfortunately, they would also kill me in the process. I trusted Rachel's healing capabilities enough to attempt such desperate measures if necessary, but I'd prefer to find a solution that left me functional.
'The problem is winning without dying or ending up near death,' I analyzed quickly as the Dullahan began moving toward me.
The sound of his armored boots against the corrupted ground sent shivers down my spine with each deliberate step. Each footfall carried the weight of supernatural authority and centuries of accumulated guilt-driven power.
'Why do I always end up facing opponents with higher mana rank?' I wondered with dark humor.
But there was no time for further reflection. The Dullahan's intent was clear, and hesitation would only give him additional advantage in a fight where I was already severely outmatched.
Instantly, I activated everything I possessed.
There was no point in holding back against an Immortal-rank opponent. Half-measures would only guarantee failure.
Divine Miracles blazed to life around me: Wings of Seraphim unfurled from my back in brilliant displays of Purelight energy, while Aureate Blood surged through my veins, turning my life essence into liquid gold that enhanced every aspect of my physical capabilities.
Erebus and Valeria responded to my call, their consciousnesses merging with mine as the Lich's analytical precision combined with the Bone Symbiote's raw enhancement capabilities. My magical pathways flooded with power that pushed my limits to their absolute maximum.
Lucent Harmony synchronized my dual affinities into perfect balance, while Soul Resonance amplified my spiritual presence to match the supernatural weight pressing down on me. Seraphim's Embrace and Soul Vision boosted my senses to a whole another level, and Mythic Body transformed my physical form into something approaching legendary resilience.
I unsheathed Evolvis with fluid precision, coating the Ancient-grade blade with astral energy pumped out by my beating Sword Heart. The weapon hummed with accumulated power as multiple enhancement effects layered across its edge.
'No need for conversation with someone who abandoned their humanity,' I thought grimly as I settled into combat stance.
The Dullahan apparently shared my sentiment. The distance between us collapsed in a single step as he moved with the supernatural speed of an Immortal-rank entity, his massive greatsword rising above his headless form before descending with the force of a falling mountain.
I brought Evolvis up to intercept his attack, feeling the impact reverberate through my enhanced frame like a thunderclap. The sheer power behind his strike forced my blade back despite my magical enhancements, though his greatsword struck the ground as well—the physics of wielding such a massive weapon creating openings even for Immortal-rank opponents.
'He hits harder because of the weapon weight and his superior mana rank,' I analyzed rapidly. 'And he's faster for the same reason. But...'
We engaged in a rapid exchange of strikes, my blade work flowing into the intricate patterns of Spectral Sword art. Illusory strikes accompanied each real attack, forcing the Dullahan to guard against multiple potential impacts while I sought openings in his defense.
'I'm still the better pure swordsman,' I thought with grim satisfaction as my technique gradually began to tell.
However, raw power eventually overcame technical superiority. The Dullahan's next strike shattered my chain of attacks through brute force, his greatsword smashing through my guard and forcing Evolvis down with enough impact to drive me to one knee.
But the opening I'd been waiting for finally appeared.
As his sword continued its downward momentum, my free hand darted forward, fingers pressing against his armored chest. The gap between our positions was minimal—perfect for close-quarters techniques.
Fifth movement of Grade 5 art CQC: One-Inch Punch
I closed my fist while driving it forward, my knuckles connecting with his breastplate just as his greatsword completed its downward arc. The accumulated force of multiple magical enhancements, compressed into a single devastating impact, lifted his armored form completely off the ground.
His feet left the earth as he was launched backward, the ornate armor cracking audibly from the concentrated blow. I used the moment to create distance, already transitioning into my next technique.
'Time for the real test,' I thought, settling into the precise stance required for my most powerful sword technique.
First Movement of my Grade 6 art: God Flash: Absolute.
The Purelight-based technique blazed to life around Evolvis as I launched myself forward with explosive speed. My blade became a streak of pure light aimed at the Dullahan's core, carrying enough concentrated force to potentially end the fight in a single strike.
But Immortal-rank opponents didn't fall to single techniques, no matter how powerful.
His greatsword became a blur of motion, creating multiple simultaneous strike vectors that intercepted my attack from impossible angles. The collision of our techniques sent shockwaves through the surrounding area, corrupted ground cracking under the pressure of clashing energies.
My God Flash: Absolute connected, the concentrated Purelight tearing through his armor and destroying significant portions of his torso. For a moment, I thought the fight might be over.
Then his body began regenerating.
'Immortal-rank regeneration,' I cursed as I watched armor and flesh alike reforming with supernatural speed. 'Physical damage isn't enough at his level. And he has a Grade 5 art to boot.'
The Dullahan straightened, his form fully restored within seconds of taking what should have been a crippling blow. When he spoke, his voice carried new respect for my capabilities.
"Impressive technique for one so young," he acknowledged. "But insufficient for the task ahead."
Dark energy erupted around him as he activated his ultimate capability.
Domain Expansion: Field of Broken Oaths.
The world around us transformed as his Domain took hold, reality reshaping itself into a nightmarish landscape of failed duties and abandoned promises. Spectral figures of those he'd failed to protect moved through the corrupted space, their presence adding weight to every action within the Domain's influence.
'I can't fight an Immortal-ranker's Domain with my own power,' I realized immediately. 'But I'm not limited to my own capabilities.'
"Erebus," I called to my Lich companion. "Your turn."
"Domain Expansion: Necropolis of Forgotten Wisdom," Erebus intoned, his consciousness merging with mine as his own supernatural authority manifested.
The competing Domains clashed like opposing storms, reality fracturing along the boundaries where different laws attempted to assert dominance. Neither could fully overcome the other, creating a chaotic space where multiple sets of magical rules operated simultaneously.
'Now we're on more equal footing,' I thought with grim satisfaction. 'Time to see what other surprises this fight holds.'
I raised my hand, beginning the complex gestures required for high-level magical combat. "Seven-Circle Magic: Nightingale Method—"