Kai slashed relentlessly with his daggers, clashing with the man's great axe, creating shockwaves with each collision. They exchanged blows dozens of times, their weapons meeting with force.

Suddenly, Kai leaped away, distancing himself from the man. In a split second, he launched hundreds of black daggers toward his opponent, but the man skillfully blocked every single one. However, before he could react, Kai reappeared, surrounded by a shadowy aura that covered his body. With incredible speed, he executed a powerful roundhouse kick to the man's face.

As the man staggered back, Kai summoned his daggers back to him and unleashed a devastating cross-slash attack. The resulting explosion sent the man flying, creating a significant distance between them.

Catching his breath, the man spoke, "So kid, what's your name?" He began channeling mana into his axe making it glow Blue, preparing for the next round. Kai mirrored his actions, gathering his own magical energy covering his daggers in black shadows, and confidently replied, "It's Kai!" With a swift motion, he launched a barrage of black slashes toward the man.

In response, the man brought down his axe, slamming it into the ground. A powerful shockwave rippled out, neutralizing Kai's attack. Seizing the opportunity, the man dashed towards the momentarily dazed Kai, landing a forceful blow to his side. The impact sent Kai crashing to the ground, his body dragged through the dirt, and knocking him into several thick trees.

Lying on the ground, Kai coughed up blood, feeling the effects of the brutal strike he had endured. He looked up to see the man slowly approaching him, a wicked grin on his face. "Well, Kai, my name is Oscar. Since you've given me a bit of fun, I'll spare you and your red-haired friend," Oscar taunted.

________________________________________________________________

Lying on top of a dark sea of blood, Zero regained consciousness. Confusion filled his mind as he rose from the crimson water, somehow standing atop its surface.

"How did I get here?" Zero wondered to himself, his gaze scanning the eerie surroundings.

"I could ask you the same thing, Zero," a voice interjected, startling Zero. He turned around, shocked to see a man dressed in a black and red robe, with long, baggy black pants.

"Huh, how do you know my name?" Zero inquired, his confusion deepening.

"I've been in here for a few days, watching you from within," the man explained, waving his hand towards the sea of dark red water.

"Okay, then, since you already know my name, what's yours?" Zero asked, crossing his arms and fixing his gaze on the floating man.

"Oh, well, I'm Haru," the man introduced himself.

"Hm, so can you help me get out of this place, Haru?" Zero questioned, his eyes narrowing as he studied Haru.

"Well, that's easy. You just have to break this little thing," Haru responded, reaching into his robe and producing a black orb adorned with golden hieroglyphics.

"What the hell is that supposed to be?" Zero asked, clearly perplexed by the object.

"Hold it," Haru instructed with a blank expression.

Raising an eyebrow at such a request, Zero hesitated for a moment but ultimately decided to take the orb from Haru's outstretched hand. As he held it, he could sense a peculiar energy emanating from within.

This tale has been unlawfully lifted from Royal Road; report any instances of this story if found elsewhere.

"What is this?" Zero questioned, his gaze fixed on the mysterious orb.

"The orb is filled with a significant amount of mana," Haru explained.

"So, what am I supposed to do with this thing exactly?" Zero asked, staring intently at the intricate marks covering its surface, unable to comprehend their meaning.

"Simply pour your mana into it using only your right hand. Once filled, it should break you out of here," Haru replied, offering Zero a small smile.

Following Haru's instructions, Zero channeled his mana into the orb. The golden hieroglyphics began to glow, and the water surrounding Zero transformed into a swirling sphere before finally bursting apart.

Observing Zero's departure, Haru summoned a window through which he could continue watching Zero's journey.

"Good luck, Zero. You'll surely need it in the future," Haru murmured, his gaze fixed on the unfolding events.

________________________________________________________________________________

Zero's eyes flutter open as he feels his mana surge through his body. With a deep breath, he releases it in a powerful shockwave that sends leaves and twigs flying in all directions.

Without hesitation, he dashes towards Oscar, who had been about to strike down Kai and his young daughter Ushin. Zero swiftly stops Oscar in his tracks, forcefully pushing him away.

Instantly, the forest fills with the resounding clash of metal. Oscar, taken aback by Zero's sudden intervention, retaliates with a fierce attack.

However, Zero's movements are quick and evasive, and his strikes are precise and unpredictable. The two engage in a deadly dance, each trying to gain the upper hand.

With a resounding battle cry, Zero charges at Oscar, his fists clenched tightly. Oscar meets him head-on, his great axe gleaming in the sunlight. Their weapons collide, creating a shower of sparks.

Despite Oscar's experience and training, Zero proves to be a formidable opponent. His movements are wild yet calculated, keeping Oscar on his toes. The intense battle continues, their bodies blurring in motion.

As the fight rages on, Zero feels a strange sensation in his right arm. Glancing down, he sees it has transformed into a stone-like gauntlet, pulsing with energy. A grin spreads across his face, knowing this enhancement will give him an edge.

Renewed with vigor, Zero charges toward Oscar, his gauntlet emitting a bright glow. He lands a series of powerful blows, each one sending shockwaves through the air. Oscar stumbles backward, visibly stunned by Zero's newfound abilities.

Taking a deep breath, Zero focuses his energy and unleashes a formidable beam of lightning from his gauntlet, shouting, "Bursting Storm Cannon!" The blast tears through the forest, obliterating everything in its path. Oscar is struck directly, his body thrown back by a tremendous force.

But Zero is not finished yet. In a flash, he closes the distance between them, his fist charged with energy. With one swift movement, he impales Oscar with his powered-up fist, driving him deep into the ground. The forest falls silent as the two combatants lock eyes, their breathing heavy and labored.

As the adrenaline subsides, Zero's mind clears. He looks around at the destruction he has caused, feeling a twinge of guilt. Regretting his lack of humility during their initial encounter, he hangs his head, knowing he must make amends. However, he has a more pressing concern: finding their friend Enrique and ensuring their safe escape from the forest.

Determination etched onto his face, Zero turns to Kai and Ushin, who is watching him with a mix of fear and awe. "We need to find Enrique," he asserts, his voice steady. "Let's head back the way I came."

Kai nods, his expression serious. "Do you know where he is?" he inquires. "Let's retrace our steps."

Ushin interjects, her frustration evident. "Dad, you blew up most of this forest! How are we supposed to find him? And what were you thinking, firing that cool-ass move? What if you hit us? We could have died!" She hops onto Zero's shoulders, gripping his long hair tightly.

"Ushin, mind your language!" Zero reprimands, wincing as she pulls on his hair. "Don't you dare language me, Dad! Be more careful!" Ushin scolds him, her grip on his hair unrelenting.

Kai can't help but chuckle softly at the sight of Zero and Ushin's playful bickering.

Turning around, Ushin glares at Kai. "What are you laughing at, Kai?"

"Nothing, it's just funny to see how the two of you are acting right now," Kai says, waving his hands in defense.

"HOW DARE THEE MOCK THE GREATNESS OF THE MIGHTY USHIN!" Ushin dramatically imitates a regal speaking style, leaving Zero perplexed about where she learned it.

Zero suddenly sniffs the air, his eyes drawn to a particular direction.

"Dad, what are you sniffing for?" Ushin raises an eyebrow, curious.

"I smell Enrique's scent in that direction," Zero points to where he smells Enrique's presence.

"Then let's go, Dad! Mush! Mush!" Ushin excitedly urges Zero, running ahead with her on his back, with Kai following closely behind.