The pressure that emerged after the activation of the titles was not just the result of mana, but something deeper—something that affected the very space around them. The air became heavier, recognizing the presence of something beyond simple magic. Leon and Reiligh remained still for a few moments, both understanding that from that point on, the battle had entered another level.
'This is the first time I'll use it.'
[Be careful, Reiligh's title is strong too.]
Titles in that world were not just names or empty recognition—they were abilities that emerged when someone began to be acknowledged by the world and by the people around them. The more that title was accepted, the more its existence was reinforced by actions and perception, the stronger it became. It wasn't something that could be trained directly, but something built over time.
A few rare individuals had the chance to choose their own title at the moment it appeared—something extremely rare, not even reaching one percent of the population. Reiligh had been one of those cases in the past, choosing a title he considered perfect for himself. Leon, on the other hand, had no such choice. His title emerged naturally on the battlefield, shaped by his experiences and by those who witnessed his strength.
There were cases where a person possessed more than one title throughout their life, but the body could only use one at a time. Leon, for example, once carried the title of the most loyal of his generation, but that was no longer what defined his current existence. Only mages who surpassed rank 12 could break that limitation and access previous titles—something far beyond the level of this battle. The evolution of a title was direct: the more it resonated with the world, the stronger it became. And at that moment, both Leon's and Reiligh's titles were at the peak of their manifestation.
'Let's see… I'll start with this.'
Leon moved immediately after activating his title. His body advanced at a speed greater than before, leaving behind the point where he had been standing. The ground beneath his feet gave way instantly, unable to withstand the force released. The spear in his hand was no longer just a weapon—it was a direct extension of his presence in that moment.
"Spiritual Wind."
The wind around Reiligh became more concentrated, no longer dispersed as before. Now everything revolved around absolute control, creating layers of pressure that moved along with his body. Even with one arm missing, his movement had not decreased. Leon attacked with a direct strike, while Reiligh dodged at the last instant, responding with a wind blade that cut deeply into Leon's side. Blood spread, but was immediately burned by the heat surrounding him.
'Activate skill.'
As Leon took another step forward, the ground beneath him collapsed—not just from force, but from the pressure imposed by his title. "Lion of the Battlefield." His presence made the space around him react as if he were the dominant predator in that environment. His speed increased as he advanced, his strength grew with each successive attack, and his endurance held even as his body reached its limits.
'Activate skill.'
While narrowly dodging multiple thrusts from Leon's spear, Reiligh also activated his ability. The title "Rank Ten Wind Spirit Mage" made the air itself respond instinctively to his will. His movements became lighter, almost weightless, while the wind didn't just follow his commands—it anticipated his intentions.
Leon spun with the spear in a sweeping motion, but Reiligh had already moved before the strike was completed. The wind pulled him, adjusted his trajectory, and repositioned his body with precision. At the same time, multiple blades formed without any visible casting, as if the environment itself was attacking alongside him.
[This ability is way too troublesome.]
'And stronger than mine.'
Leon gritted his teeth as he was struck, but even while receiving multiple cuts at once, his advance did not slow. His title reacted, turning damage into momentum. The more injured he became, the more aggressive his advance grew, and the heavier each of his strikes became. He spun his body and attacked again—when Reiligh prepared to defend, Leon suddenly shifted direction, deceiving his opponent with his speed.
"Lion King's Spear."
The impact was not only physical. As the spear cut through space, the air itself seemed compressed by Leon's presence, restricting Reiligh's movement for a moment. Even so, Reiligh responded by creating a wind zone around his body—not just as defense, but as an extension of his perception. Any disturbance in airflow was instantly detected, allowing reactions faster than before.
A cut appeared across Reiligh's chest as he spat blood. The attack had been effective because his movement had been momentarily restricted, but after that strike, his body returned to normal, allowing him to dodge the follow-up. Leon's title not only increased his strength but also made him more efficient in prolonged combat. His movements began adapting to Reiligh's patterns, anticipating shifts and reducing space for evasion.
'Dangerous.'
Reiligh began to sweat as cuts appeared across his body. His ability had to evolve to match an opponent who adapted to his power, and his own title was beginning to develop. Small currents formed without direct command, creating automatic evasions, altering trajectories, and even pushing attacks away.
"Five Thousand Wind Blades."
With that immense magic unleashed, Leon pushed forward through an endless sequence of wind blades. Once again, he had to completely ignore the cuts accumulating on his body to continue advancing in a straight line. The spear tore through the air with enough force to distort the environment, striking Reiligh directly in the stomach. The impact launched his body backward, but the wind reduced the damage at the last moment. His regeneration was still active, but it could no longer keep up with the damage.
'Looks like this is the end.'
Reiligh looked at Leon preparing once more to advance. Without a doubt, he deserved the title "Lion of the Battlefield." With a sigh, he prepared what was likely his final attack. He concentrated everything into a single point. The wind compressed to its absolute limit, forming an unstable mass that not only attacked but destroyed everything around it without precise control. It was a risky move, one that began to affect his own body as well.
"Heaven Spear Technique."
With a whisper, Leon focused his eyes on his opponent, seeing only prey before him—a perception granted by his title during prolonged combat. It could be dangerous or beneficial, as it heightened his instincts and made him act like a true lion.
'Maybe that's why Leon didn't like using this title… but now it's mine, and I won't hesitate to use it.'
The spear in his hand began to transform, the fire compressing beyond normal limits. The surrounding heat rose drastically, burning even the air itself. When he advanced at an absurd speed—before even the cracks in the ground could break—Reiligh tried to anticipate the movement. His title reacted, the wind moved before the attack happened, but it wasn't enough.
"Heaven-Splitting Spear."
The technique didn't just break through the wind attack—it completely ignored the attempt at defense. The strike pierced Reiligh directly, interrupting the mana flow sustaining both his regeneration and active magic. For a brief moment, the wind tried to react—but simply stopped.
"Damn… I guess my death will make your title stronger."
After those words, Reiligh's body remained still for a second before beginning to fall. His expression didn't change completely, but there was a trace of respect for his opponent. Leon remained standing, holding the spear as his body finally showed the accumulated strain, the weapon breaking apart. His title was still active, but already weakening as the battle came to an end.
"Thank you, Titanza."
That technique was one of the strongest weapon techniques Enrico's mother had taught him. Looking upward, a massive gap carved by the attack could be seen—and even higher, the sky itself seemed split in two, with a trail of fire that looked like it was burning through the clouds.