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156

Darien pushed aside his doubts, focusing his energy on blocking Barnet's relentless assault. He couldn't show any weakness, not now.

"Your words mean nothing, Barnet," Darien snarled, launching a flurry of attacks of his own. "I know who I am, and I'm nothing like you."

Barnet growled with rage, pushing himself to the limits to land a hit on his nimble opponent. "We'll see about that!" he shouted.

The two men became a blur of fists and feet, their battle taking on a ferocious intensity. They were equally matched in skill, each refusing to give an inch.

As they fought, Darien realized with a jolt that Barnet was leading him towards the far wall, cornering him. He redoubled his efforts to gain the advantage, but Barnet fought with a renewed viciousness, driven by his twisted desire for power and vengeance.

Darien was tiring, and he knew he couldn't keep this up forever. He had to end it, now. Spying an opening, he feinted left and spun into a roundhouse kick that caught Barnet s