As the distance between them steadily closed, they could both clearly sense the other's presence.
It was a presence filled with hostility and killing intent, as though the air itself had been ignited by it, turning scorching and oppressive.
The animals nearby sensed this powerful presence and fled in terror in every direction, letting out miserable cries.
Birds took flight from the branches in alarm, fluttering wildly through the night sky; wild rabbits ran for their lives as though demons were pursuing them; even the normally ferocious beasts trembled before this presence and hid in their dens.
At last, Norman and Connors met inside an abandoned factory.
A pungent odor filled the factory. Dilapidated machinery and equipment lay scattered everywhere, as though telling of their former glory and present desolation.
The two stood face-to-face, their gazes meeting as if electric sparks flashed through the air.
"Norman? It's you!"
Connors's eyes widened, his face full of disbelief.
He had never imagined that Norman, whom he had once looked down on, would become so powerful.
"That's right, it's me!"
Norman roared, his voice overflowing with rage and hatred. "Connors, today is the day you die!"
"You?"
Connors sneered. Though he was somewhat surprised, he did not believe Norman could threaten him.
"You think becoming stronger means you can defeat me? You're too naive! I am the King of Monsters. You will always be nothing but a defeated subordinate of mine!"
Brimming with confidence, he assumed a fighting stance and prepared to meet Norman's challenge.
Norman let out a roar. The dark green scales covering his body trembled faintly in the gale, as though responding to his anger. Beneath them, his muscles suddenly contracted and tightened like a fully drawn bowstring, containing terrifying power on the verge of eruption.
Suddenly, Norman kicked off