To be frank, I was genuinely surprised that Baji managed to defeat my clone. Even though my copy's power is limited to a maximum of thirty percent of my total strength, that doesn't change the fact that these thirty percent are a considerable portion of my power. At this point, it's impossible for me not to realize how incredibly strong I am.

"Heh... interesting. You have indeed grown strong, I admit that. But are you sure you want to boast about defeating a clone that doesn't even possess fifty percent of my total strength?"

Saying this, I slowly stepped away from Fujiwara with a smile on my face. My steps were steady and confident as I approached Baji. My gaze was probably that of a predator eyeing its prey. With swift, precise movements, my field of vision instantly focused on Baji's back.

His reaction upon seeing me disappear was to look around, trying to find me. Placing my hands on Baji's back, I whispered the name of a skill silently.

"Ultrasonic Waves"

As soon as I uttered the words, an intense sound pressure burst in a circle from the palm of my hand, throwing Baji against the wall. While he flew through the air toward the cave wall, my eyes watched him with precision. Every move he made was clear to me, it was as if he were an open book, revealing all his actions.

Just before Baji crashed into the wall, I disappeared again and reappeared behind him. With a powerful kick to his face, Baji's body was sent soaring to the ceiling. My heart raced as I watched Baji collide with the ceiling; I'm sure a rather sinister smile adorned my face at that exact moment.

"You... bastard"

Baji said as he made an effort to get up. Though I wasn't sure, he likely had broken several bones in his body. It was surprising to see him rise after such a grave injury, but honestly, this fight was becoming tedious. It was obvious that Baji didn't possess enough power to defeat me. To be honest, I saw no reason to continue fighting him.

"Shade"

The moment I uttered those words, a dark vortex appeared beside me. Next, Shade appeared, kneeling with her head bowed. The surprise on Baji's face as he witnessed this scene made everything even more gratifying.

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"You called me, my king?"

Hearing Shade's words, I pondered what I should say to her. Somehow, I knew Shade could kill Baji swiftly if I wasn't careful.

"Do not kill him"

They were simple words, but the moment she heard them, Shade nodded her head as if she understood exactly what I desired.

"As you wish, my king"

Upon uttering those words, Shade rose and began to advance slowly toward Baji. Witnessing this, a smile appeared on Baji's face. I couldn't fathom what he might find amusing, so I raised an eyebrow in doubt.

"Hahaha, I should have expected, you're truly a useless coward hiding behind a woman"

Baji said while looking at me with a smile on his face. Before I could respond, Shade appeared beside Baji almost instantaneously and grabbed him by the throat, although what held him was a dense black mist. She glared at Baji with disdain, as if he were a mere insect.

"I've endured your insults to the king for far too long. You should be thanking the king for not killing you this very moment"

Said Shade, her anger evident in her tone. Moreover, her gaze as she stared at Baji revealed her clear intention to kill him. While all this happened, Baji's expression grew increasingly distorted.

"I will end you, Makoto, do you hear me? I SWEAR, AFTER DEALING WITH THIS BITCH, I WILL PERSONALLY ENSURE YOU ARE DEAD"

Hearing Baji's words, I let out a tired sigh. This situation was beginning to irritate me deeply. I walked slowly towards Shinji, and as I realized this, Shade quickly knelt down again.

"Good job, Shade"

Hearing my words, Shade looked up at me with a smile on his lips and his eyes shining.

"I am honored to receive your words, my king"

Hearing Shade's words, a small smile formed on my lips. I then directed my gaze at Baji, who continued to float in the air while a black mist enveloped his neck. He looked truly pathetic, which made me wonder if he was really the same person who had intimidated me in the past.

"Steel wire"

I muttered. Instantly, small wires began to coil around Baji's body, wrapping around his legs and arms, with one specific one tightly encircling his neck.

"I'm curious to know where all the arrogance you had just a few seconds ago went"

I teased. Baji tried to stare at me intensely, as if he wanted to say something, but the mist enveloping his throat seemed to prevent him from uttering any words.

(Shade)

The moment I uttered her name, the mist around Baji's neck instantly disappeared.

"MAKOTO, YOU SON OF A BITCH!"

That was the first word Baji uttered. With a scowl on my face, I snapped one of my fingers and then one of Baji's legs was thrown away.

"Ahhhhhh, SON OF A BITCH! YOU SON OF A BITCH! I swear I'll kill you!"

Another crack echoes and, once again, Baji's other leg is thrown across the room.

"You miserable orphan! Even if I die, I'll come back from hell to kill you. I hope your parents suffer forever, hahaha!"

Said Baji with a psychopathic grin on his face, as tears flowed from his eyes. At this point, I had already snapped my finger three more times. Both of Baji's arms were thrown across the room, while his head rolled to a stop centimeters in front of me. His face still held the smile that Baji had before he died.