The Epic Tale of Chaos vs Order Chapter 2326 Unleashing the mask

Shock was visible in Ideonus’s eyes the moment Cain activated his Asura Form. Although it lacked the obsidian boosting traits inherent to his own bloodline, there was no mistaking that the core principles of speed and energy flow were identical. Violent surges of power pulsed through Cain’s frame, his aura becoming increasingly sharp and suffocating with every passing heartbeat.

Despite the revelation, Ideonus did not falter.

The native warrior pressed his assault without a shred of doubt, his strikes characterized by relentless precision. The velocity of their duel reached a staggering peak, sending bursts of pulverized ice and snow flying outward with every heavy impact.

Cain managed to maintain the pace, yet the obsidian enhancement provided Ideonus with a marginal but vital advantage. This specialized power allowed him to better withstand the destructive properties of Sky Devourer, preventing Cain from gaining a decisive upper hand.

After parrying a blow from Sky Devourer with his translucent blade, Ideonus pivoted mid-air. Obsidian energy flooded into his leg, compacting and hardening the limb to an incredible density. In a blur of motion, he buried a brutal kick into Cain’s chest. The sickening crack of fracturing bone resonated across the frozen wasteland.

Cain was sent flying backward, crashing into the ice wall with immense violence. Colossal shards of frozen crystal sprayed everywhere as a spiderweb of fractures raced across the surface. Agony flared through Cain’s entire being, his internal organs shuddering from the impact. Ideonus, however, gave him no room to breathe.

Leaping forward, the native appeared before Cain in a flash, bringing his sword down in a heavy, crushing arc. Cain barely managed to intercept the blade with Sky Devourer. While the block saved him from being split in two, the sheer momentum forced him through the ice wall, shredding muscle and skin as he was plowed into the frozen earth on the other side. Ideonus dove after him immediately, intending to shatter Cain’s body before his regeneration could take effect.

Just as Ideonus reached the crater's edge, a massive eruption of destructive essence manifested, causing the very atmosphere to vibrate. Before the native could react, Sky Devourer whipped upward toward him, carrying a killing intent so thick his instincts screamed in terror. Ideonus barely managed a desperate block. His arm shook uncontrollably and bones splintered under the weight of the blow, which hurled him across the snowy field.

A trickle of blood escaped the corner of his mouth.

The extent of the internal damage left him stunned. His obsidian flesh wasn't merely a shell; it reinforced his vitals as well. The fact that Cain’s strike had bypassed such defenses was deeply alarming.

"If that had hit me directly, my life would have been at risk," Ideonus realized with grim clarity.

He shifted his focus back to Cain. Long bone spikes had protruded from Cain’s knees and elbows, while jagged bone plating now encased his forearms and hands. Though the exact nature of this change eluded Ideonus, the massive spike in Cain’s physical strength and destructive Qi was undeniable.

With cold, calculating eyes, Cain initiated Doomsday Incarnation. Gripping Sky Devourer tightly, he shot forward like a streak of dark scarlet light, carving a path through the battlefield.

Ideonus found himself instantly on the defensive.

Cain’s speed and power had ascended to terrifying heights, dwarfing his previous state. Wounds began to open across Ideonus’s body as Cain launched a merciless, unwavering offensive. Each strike was cold, lethal, and driven by a singular intent to kill.

The native hadn't held back—so why should Cain?

If the opportunity arose, Cain intended to send Ideonus to the Scarlet Throne and harvest his memories. Such a feat would simplify his journey, providing invaluable knowledge regarding Origin Island and those who dwelt there.

Gritting his teeth against the overwhelming might of the Scarlet King, Ideonus was forced back. He leaped several meters away to create distance and unleashed a colossal wave of obsidian energy, completely swallowing Cain’s silhouette.

For a fleeting moment, Ideonus believed he had secured a reprieve.

A second later, Cain shredded the energy blast.

Utilizing Imperium Dream, he sliced through the obsidian wave as if it were mere fabric, emerging entirely unharmed. He manifested directly in front of Ideonus, Sky Devourer wreathed in roaring scarlet flames. The blade bit deep into flesh, hurling Ideonus into the distance as his body was consumed by the burning energy.

It took Ideonus a few moments to stabilize himself. Even then, the scarlet fire persisted, eating away at his skin. Cain observed him with a detached calm, suppressing his emotions to better evaluate the battle.

"I have the power to defeat him," Cain mused. "But if I consume his mind, I will turn everyone associated with him into my enemies."

As that thought surfaced, Ideonus stood up, a faint smile playing on his lips. He seemed unbothered by the flames ravaging his body, his violet eyes fixed on Cain with icy resolve.

"This battle is only just starting," Ideonus declared.

He brought his right hand up to his face. The energy swirling around him intensified so rapidly that Cain instinctively tightened his hold on Sky Devourer. To Cain’s astonishment, Ideonus plunged his fingers into his own face, seizing something intangible and ripping it outward.

A mask of pure obsidian appeared.

The mask settled over Ideonus’s features, hiding everything but his glowing violet eyes.

"ARGHHH!" Ideonus let out a primal roar as obsidian energy erupted from his form, his aura skyrocketing to new heights.

Cain was startled by the massive power surge granted by the mask. With no time for further thought, he braced himself as Ideonus charged with unprecedented speed and force.

Cain reacted instantly, meeting the charge head-on with Sky Devourer.

Their weapons clashed, discharging massive shockwaves of obsidian energy and scarlet fire in every direction. The earth splintered beneath them as they locked blades, eyes burning with power and teeth bared. Both combatants pushed themselves to the limit, pouring every ounce of strength into the deadlock.

Cain’s power had been on a steady rise since his arrival on Origin Island. Between the energy drawn from the island itself and the vitality stolen from Masked Insects and Abominations via the Scarlet Throne, he had far surpassed his old boundaries.

Yet, despite those gains, he was being driven back.

His boots dug deep furrows into the ground as he fought to hold his position. Eventually, his balance broke, and he was hurled once more into the ice wall. Before he could mount a recovery, Ideonus fired a concentrated beam of obsidian energy, instantly engulfing Cain’s entire form.