Chapter 88 - The Clash Begins: Group 1 vs Don
The battle raged with a feverish intensity, the air crackling with energy, as Lord Varek continued his relentless assault on Park Zhen, Abbess Xinhui, and Adam. The ground beneath their feet trembled with every strike, the clash of power reverberating through the air like a thunderous roar.
Park Zhen moved with supernatural agility, narrowly evading the lethal blows that Lord Varek unleashed. His body swayed, twisting mid-air as if he were a mere whisper of the wind, effortlessly dodging the deadly energy. He deflected each attack with the grace of a master, the sheer effort of each motion visible in his strained muscles. Despite his efforts, it was clear that even he was struggling. Every time he blocked a blow, the force was enough to push him back, and even with his immense control, the force left him with a lingering ache. His breaths came heavy, but he refused to falter. His sharp gaze never wavered from his target.
Lord Varek’s face remained impassive, his eyes narrowed with deadly intent. His every move was precise, calculated, and infused with a power that felt alien to the battlefield, like something drawn from a realm beyond the comprehension of those present. With every strike, his Ki expanded, distorting the air around him. His feet barely touched the ground, and it was as if the space around him bent and twisted with each step, leaving ripples in the atmosphere. He wasn’t just a master of martial arts; he was a living manifestation of destructive energy.
As Lord Varek raised his hand, the very air around him began to warp, twisting into a vortex of jagged lightning that crackled menacingly. The energy surged outward in waves, each one a tangible force that seemed to reach into the fabric of reality itself. It was as if his movements were tearing at the boundaries of space, manipulating the laws of physics with terrifying precision.
Park Zhen was the first to react, his body moving instinctively to evade the impending attack. His eyes flickered with concentration as he sprang to the side, narrowly avoiding the destructive wave. Yet, as he moved, the very ground beneath his feet seemed to buckle, as if reacting to Varek’s influence. The terrain shifted, causing Park Zhen to stumble slightly. He gritted his teeth and immediately regained his balance, feeling the pressure of his enemy’s energy weighing heavily on him.
The next attack came without warning. Lord Varek slammed his fists together, and a violent shockwave exploded outward, sending a pulse of energy that seemed to ripple through the very air. Abbess reacted quickly, her body moving like liquid as she spun away from the center of the blast. The force of the shockwave threw her off course, but she was able to regain her footing mid-air, her hands raised in a defensive stance. As the shockwave crashed into her, she felt the air pressure compressing around her, but she managed to absorb the impact by channeling her inner Ki into a protective barrier that flared up in front of her.
Still, the strain was evident. Her breathing quickened, and she staggered back several steps, her robes torn in places where the shockwave had grazed her.
Adam, too, was caught in the blast’s wake. He wasn’t fast enough to completely avoid it, and the force of the impact sent him crashing into the ground, his body skidding across the battlefield. The impact left him dazed, his senses overwhelmed by the searing pain that shot through his limbs. As he struggled to rise, his gauntlets sparked with energy, but it was clear the sheer magnitude of the attack had drained him. Every fiber of his being screamed with pain as he pushed himself up, his knees buckling under the strain.
Lord Varek didn’t pause. His next attack was a blur of motion. He snapped his fingers, and the very space around him seemed to fracture, creating rifts in the air that emitted a sharp, high-pitched hum. These rifts expanded rapidly, each one crackling with energy. The rifts tore open like portals, and from each, tendrils of pure energy shot out, aimed directly at Park Zhen, Abbess, and Adam.
Park Zhen’s reflexes were put to the test as he leaped backward, his eyes scanning the air for any sign of the incoming tendrils. With a burst of speed, he twisted in mid-air, evading one strike but narrowly avoiding another. His skin tingled with the sensation of the energy grazing his form, but he held his ground, his muscles tensed in preparation for the next strike.
Abbess, on the other hand, used her experience to anticipate the trajectory of the energy tendrils. She spun out of the way of one, then leaped over another, landing gracefully on her feet. But the effort of evading them was taking its toll. Each movement required more energy, and she could feel the strain in her muscles, the warning signs of fatigue creeping in. She steadied herself and channeled her corrupted Ki once more, raising her hands to form a barrier of light around her. The tendrils struck the barrier with a crackling noise, and Abbess was forced back several steps, her face grim with the realization that she couldn’t keep this up forever… Even so, as Lord Varek's strikes came crashing toward her, she reacted with deadly precision, sidestepping some of the worst blows while using her energy to deflect others. But she could not deflect all of them.
A devastating strike slammed into her side, and she staggered, a flash of pain crossing her face. She winced but quickly steadied herself, her chest heaving with effort as she narrowly avoided another strike.
Meanwhile, just as Adam was bracing for the next onslaught, a sudden, devastating wave of energy surged from Lord Varek. It rippled through the air like an explosion, an all-consuming burst of raw power that tore the battlefield apart. The sheer force of the attack, combining martial technique with something far more mystical, was like nothing Adam had ever encountered before. It wasn’t just an energy wave; it was a living force, wrapped in a vortex of destructive intent.
The attack seemed to collapse the air around them. Time itself felt distorted for a moment, as if the energy wasn’t just hitting him physically but pulling at his very existence. The blow hit him like a mountain falling from the sky.
Adam wasn’t fast enough. His body, exhausted from the relentless onslaught of previous blows, was slow to react. His eyes widened as the attack barreled toward him, his body locking up in instinctual fear. He tried to move, to evade, but the sheer weight of the strike pinned him in place. Just as the energy closed in, a powerful force struck him from the side. Abbess, without a moment’s hesitation, threw herself into his path, taking the full force of the attack on herself.
She didn’t speak. She didn’t pause. The woman simply acted, her robes billowing around her as she shielded him, taking the devastating strike that was meant for him. The energy exploded against her, throwing her body backward as the power cascaded around them both. Her skin shimmered momentarily before the shockwave hit, and she was sent tumbling to the ground, gasping in pain. Her side was battered, her breath ragged, but she pushed herself back up, not pausing for a moment. She had saved him.
Adam’s heart raced as he stood there, shocked. For a brief, overwhelming moment, his body was numb. He had almost been killed by Lord Varek’s skill, and Abbess had thrown herself in front of him. He couldn’t wrap his mind around it—how, just days ago, she had been his torturer, his enemy. And now, she had saved him, at the risk of her own life. There was no time to think about it fully, no space to dwell on it. The battle raged around them, the ever-present threat of death hanging like a cloud in the air.
His body instinctively reacted to her proximity, a reflex born of the pain she had caused him. His mind screamed in protest, but his heart was torn. How could he feel gratitude for someone who had tormented him? How could he trust her after everything she had done? The anger, the humiliation, the torment—they all bubbled up inside him like a poisonous tide. Yet, in the same breath, he couldn’t deny the truth—she had saved him. The dichotomy of his feelings left him choking on confusion, the bitterness of his past with her warring against the reality of the present.
“Why...?”
He whispered to himself, his voice barely audible as he glanced at her, his chest heaving with emotion. His eyes met hers for a fleeting moment, but there were no words exchanged, just a silent understanding of what had transpired. She hadn’t hesitated. She hadn’t flinched.
And then, Lord Varek’s scream shattered the tense silence. His voice was low, full of fury, and his eyes burned with a dark rage as they swept over the battlefield. His gaze, sharp and calculating, stopped when he realized something.
“Bai Huolong is gone?!”
His voice was a guttural growl, dripping with unbridled anger. His fingers curled into fists, and his aura flared like a raging storm. He searched the battlefield, his eyes scanning every corner, his rage building with every passing second.
No one answered. In the distance, Shen was still locked in combat with Li, but Bai Huolong was nowhere to be seen. The absence of his subordinate sent a surge of fury through Lord Varek.
“No matter, I will deal with this regardless!”
He bellowed, his voice vibrating the very air. In that instant, the atmosphere around them changed. The world seemed to warp as the full force of Lord Varek’s power condensed into something far darker and more lethal. His eyes glinted with a cold, unyielding intent as his body radiated an impossible amount of energy. Whatever he had unleashed before had been just the beginning.
In a swift, practiced motion, Lord Varek reached into his tunic and pulled out two peculiar papers, their edges curling and shimmering with an ethereal glow. The papers, shaped like human figures, fluttered in the air as he tossed them upward. They hung there, suspended as though defying gravity. Immediately, the air around them began to shimmer as intricate blue runes began to materialize, forming complex patterns that seemed to hum with a mysterious energy. The runes sparked, each one glowing brighter than the last.
Adam’s eyes widened in alarm as his ‘Cursed Vision’ activated. The information appeared in a system window instantly.
[ Shikigami of the Subordinate - Rank A+ ] ⌠Additional Information⌡
⌠An ethereal, human-shaped paper imbued with mystic powers, a unique and sacred artifact forged through ancient spiritual rituals. The paper is inscribed with intricate, glowing runes that pulse with sacred energy, forming an unbreakable link to another person—specifically one who is in a master-retainer relationship with the user.
When activated, the Shikigami creates a metaphysical bond, allowing for the sharing of energy between both individuals. The energy flows in a constant exchange, strengthening both the user and the linked person, enhancing their physical abilities, stamina, and ki. This connection remains intact as long as the person linked to the Shikigami remains conscious, and the paper's power is sustained by its vitality.⌡
[ Cursed Vision Knowledge ]
⌠Warning: While the Shikigami is active, it is invulnerable to physical damage⌡
⌠Tip: If the paper is struck or damaged, the injury does not affect the Shikigami itself but instead transfers directly to the linked person.⌡
“Those things... they’ll empower him!”
Adam shouted, his voice tinged with urgency.
“They’re indestructible! … But…”
But his words were cut in an instant. Lord Varek’s lips curled into a malicious smile, his voice low but dripping with satisfaction.
“Correct, little ones. These will give me all the energy I need to take my time making you all suffer to pay for your atrocities... And as long as Bai Huolong and Sung Ja-In remain standing I will send them energy as well, no matter what your plan is, it won’t work.”
Before anyone could react, Lord Varek’s Ki flared with an intensity that sent shockwaves rippling through the air. The ground beneath them cracked as his presence overwhelmed the battlefield. His body seemed to stretch and contort as he merged his martial expertise with the energy of another world. He raised one hand high into the air, and the sky above them began to swirl with clouds of lightning.
With a swift motion, Lord Varek unleashed a new technique, one that fused a devastating martial strike with a skill from another realm. The impact was catastrophic. A blast of energy so powerful erupted from his body that it seemed to distort reality itself. A massive shockwave expanded outward, pushing everything in its path. The ground trembled violently as the sheer force of the blow slammed into Park Zhen, Abbess, and Adam, throwing them backward as though they were mere ragdolls.
The force sent Park Zhen crashing into the earth, his body skidding across the ground before he finally came to a halt, a trail of dirt and debris marking his fall. His breath came out in pained gasps as he struggled to push himself up.
Abbess was flung through the air like a broken marionette, her body twisting and spinning as she crashed into a rock formation. She let out a strangled cry as the wind was knocked from her lungs, but she quickly rolled to her feet, refusing to give up.
Adam, too, was sent hurtling backward, his body smacking against the hard earth before sliding to a stop several meters away. His vision blurred, and for a moment, he felt a strange weightlessness, as though the world had paused. Pain exploded across his body, but he gritted his teeth, pushing through it as he slowly rose to his knees.
"Damn it..."
Adam muttered under his breath, his voice hoarse from the force of the impact.
——————
The scene shifted to a distant location, far removed from the chaos unfolding in the ruins where Lord Varek’s battle raged. A heavy silence hung in the air, broken only by the occasional squelch of boots in the wet, swampy terrain. Group 1 had already taken their positions, poised and ready. Kazue, Katya, Gregor, Chloe, Sebastian, and the tiger Kurayami were spread out in a tight formation, eyes focused on the ground before them, each of them fully aware of what was at stake.
Chloe, though, had slipped further back, blending into the shadows, her gaze fixed on the scene before her as she kept herself hidden. The air was thick with the smell of damp earth, the ground beneath their feet slick and treacherous, making every movement deliberate. The weight of anticipation hung over the group as their nerves stretched taut, each of them preparing mentally for the upcoming confrontation.
Without warning, a blinding flash of light pierced the darkness, illuminating the swamp for a split second. It was exactly where they had been told their target would appear. The group didn’t hesitate for a moment. They knew what was happening, and they were ready to strike. The light faded, and standing in the middle of it was Sung Ja-In, his body bloodied and battered. One arm was pressed against his chest, stained with crimson. His movements were slow, strained, but he stood tall, defiant.
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Kazue was the first to move, her body a blur as she dashed forward, her agile frame weaving through the murky terrain. She had no intention of giving him a chance to recover. She knew Sung Ja-In’s reputation and was well aware of his skills thanks to Park Zhen’s explanation and training. Despite his injuries, he was still a formidable opponent, but the girl’s speed and flexibility made her a difficult target.
Katya moved with practiced precision, her commanding form slicing through the swampy terrain as if it posed no challenge. Her scythe gleamed faintly in the dim light, its curved blade glinting with menace as she held it in both hands. With a fluid motion, she swung the weapon in a wide arc, aiming to catch Sung Ja-In off-guard and carve into his exposed side. The swampy ground sucked at her boots, but her sheer strength and relentless drive allowed her to maintain control and keep pressing forward, her gaze unwavering.
Gregor, meanwhile, hung back, his sharp eyes narrowing as he analyzed every movement Sung Ja-In made. There was no wasted energy in the man’s stance; every fiber of his being radiated tension, like a tightly wound spring ready to explode into action. He wasn’t one to charge in blindly. His years of battle-hardened experience told him to wait, to find the perfect opening, and then strike with precision. His expression betrayed no fear—only a cold, unyielding determination.
Chloe remained at the rear, her position not a sign of reluctance but of critical importance. She was on medic duty, her sharp eyes trained on her comrades, ready to leap into action at the first sign of serious injury. Her hands hovered over her medical pouch, fingers lightly brushing against the tools and supplies she might need. Every breath she took was measured, her focus entirely on the battlefield, scanning for any faltering movements or signs of distress among her teammates. Her role wasn’t to fight but to ensure they could keep fighting.
Sebastian, in stark contrast, towered above the swamp in his [Steamtread Goliath], the imposing steampunk robot that groaned and hissed with mechanical power. The giant suit’s brass frame and reinforced plating gleamed in the dim light, the complex network of gears and pipes exuding faint wisps of steam with every movement. Hydraulic legs allowed him to traverse the swampy terrain with ease, the murky water splashing around the powerful metallic feet as they stomped down with deliberate force.
Inside the cockpit, Sebastian’s sharp mind worked tirelessly. His hands moved over the control levers with practiced ease, adjusting the Goliath’s stance and preparing its arsenal for combat. The [Steamtread Goliath] wasn’t just a weapon; it was a fortress, equipped with a totally new arm-mounted cannon and retractable grappling claws designed for both offense and defense. Through the reinforced glass of the cockpit, Sebastian’s keen eyes were fixed on Sung Ja-In. He analyzed the opponent’s every movement, mentally mapping out the battlefield and calculating the optimal way to use his Goliath’s capabilities to exploit any opening. Every hiss of steam and click of gears echoed his intent: he would turn the tide of this fight, no matter the cost.
However, Sung Ja-In’s eyes were sharp as ever, even with the blood dripping from his wound. He moved just in time to avoid Kazue’s initial strike, her electrified fist barely grazing his skin. His body seemed to pulse with energy, and even though his meridian was damaged and his Ki flow restricted, his martial prowess was still extraordinary. With a swift motion, he twisted his body, delivering a powerful counterattack that sent Kazue flying backward, crashing into the muck.
Katya’s scythe, a monstrous creation birthed from her Tulpas, swung next. Its blade gleamed with a faint, eerie glow, and its living nature was evident as jagged claws sprouted along its shaft, slashing out in tandem with her attacks. She swung the weapon with deadly precision, the scythe’s curved blade slicing through the swamp’s humid air toward Sung Ja-In. The claws followed, snapping and tearing at him like ravenous beasts.
Sung Ja-In twisted his body with fluidity, narrowly evading the scythe’s deadly arc. His movements, though hindered by his injury, were still unnervingly precise, a testament to his skill. He spun on his heel, his injured side clearly weighing him down, but his sheer determination allowed him to anticipate Katya’s relentless strikes. As one of the scythe’s claws lunged for him, he grabbed it mid-attack with an iron grip, using his incredible strength to throw the weapon off balance and force Katya to step back.
Then, with a low growl of effort, Sung Ja-In activated [Iron God’s Will]. A brilliant, intimidating aura flared around him, crackling like static electricity in the oppressive air. His posture shifted and his skin became darker like metal, becoming even more imposing. The ground beneath his feet seemed to quiver under the weight of his presence.
The group, well-briefed on this skill, immediately backed off, feigning surprise as they scattered. They made a calculated effort to act as though they were caught off guard, stumbling slightly or widening their eyes in mock astonishment. Yet, their movements were deliberate, designed to ensure that no one attempted to attack him during the skill’s activation.
Katya gritted her teeth, her scythe twitching in her grip as its living form responded to her frustration. She could feel the urge of the Tulpas within, desperate to strike again, but she held them back with sheer willpower.
Sung Ja-In, unaware of their foreknowledge, assumed their retreat was a testament to his experience. His lips curved into a grim smile, his confidence bolstered by what he perceived as their exceptional skills and reactions.
"They are well prepared to fight me, they are clever... but not clever enough."
He muttered under his breath, his eyes scanning for his next target, unaware of how carefully they were counting down the moments until his skill dissipated.
The moment [Iron God's Will] faded, Gregor surged forward like a coiled spring unleashed. His stance was low and steady, his movements fluid yet calculated. He closed the gap with precision, aiming a strike at Sung Ja-In's injured side. His techniques were sharp and efficient—targeting vital points and using controlled grapples to throw his opponent off balance. Gregor's attacks flowed seamlessly, each one designed to exploit his enemy's reduced mobility in the swampy terrain.
However, Sung Ja-In, despite his injury, met Gregor's offensive head-on. His martial arts were masterful, blending swift parries and counters with powerful, bone-jarring strikes. As Gregor went for a decisive strike toward his ribs, Sung Ja-In deflected it with an elegant rotation of his forearm and retaliated with a punishing kick to the soldier’s thigh, forcing him to shift his stance to avoid being swept off his feet.
Gregor, undeterred, pivoted into another assault, his strikes calculated to press Sung Ja-In into a vulnerable position. The fight was a flawless clash of skill and experience, with the Don clearly outmatching Gregor in raw technique. But the tides shifted when the [Karma Devil Ball] activated.
The ominous sphere floated behind Gregor, its surface swirling with malevolent energy. As Sung Ja-In moved to deliver a counterstrike, the ball emitted a low hum and darted forward, its dark energy radiating a sinister aura. Sung Ja-In’s eyes widened a fraction as he shifted his focus, narrowly dodging a direct hit to his temple. The ball, however, was relentless, adapting to his evasions with an almost sentient precision.
Gregor capitalized on the brief distraction, launching another series of strikes aimed at keeping Sung Ja-In occupied. The ball, moving like a predatory shadow, found its opening. It struck the Don with devastating force, connecting directly with his neck. The impact sent a shockwave through the air, and Sung Ja-In staggered back, his expression momentarily betraying the pain coursing through him. Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth, and his breath came in strained gasps as the heavy damage visibly took its toll.
But even in his weakened state, the immortal martial master retaliated with deadly precision. He activated [Space-Distortion Step], his teleportation skill, vanishing in an instant. Gregor, expecting the skill, immediately tensed, his eyes scanning for Sung Ja-In's reappearance. His mind raced as he mentally tracked the five teleportations, his body coiled and ready to react.
Sung Ja-In appeared behind the soldier, his fist aimed directly at the base of his spine. Gregor twisted at the last second, narrowly avoiding a fatal blow, but the strike still clipped his side, sending him sprawling across the swampy ground. Pain seared through Gregor's ribs, but he gritted his teeth and rolled to his feet, his stance firm despite the injury.
Breathing heavily, Gregor locked eyes with the Don. Though wounded, both combatants radiated an unyielding determination.
Sebastian seized the moment. His [Steamtread Goliath], towering and relentless, surged forward with the hiss of steam and the grind of metal. As Sung Ja-In reappeared after his teleportation, The robot’s massive mechanical claw swung down with devastating force. Sung Ja-In narrowly evaded the first strike, his remaining three teleportations keeping him just out of harm’s way.
Sebastian, however, was prepared. Counting Sung's movements precisely, he anticipated the final jump. With a calculated swing, the Goliath’s claw slammed into the Don, burying his entire body into the swampy ground. The earth cracked beneath the force, and a moment of silence hung in the air as Sung lay momentarily immobilized.
But the respite was brief. The Don pushed himself upright, blood dripping from the gash on his chest, his expression grim yet resolute. His stance shifted, grounding himself as he drew upon the essence of his martial arts. His breathing steadied, and his movements became sharper, more precise, as he executed a series of devastating techniques.
First, his hands moved fluidly into a defensive posture before snapping forward, his fingers rigid like spears. The piercing force of the technique created a concussive shockwave that reverberated through the air, slamming into the [Steamtread Goliath] and causing it to stagger.
Without hesitation, Sung pivoted into a hammer elbow, dropping low and twisting his body to deliver an upward strike that struck the Goliath’s chassis with the force of a landslide. The steam and gears groaned under the impact, the massive machine teetering slightly from the blow.
Then came his finishing maneuver, a palm technique designed to focus immense power into a single, precise impact. Sung planted his feet firmly into the swampy ground, his entire body coiling like a spring before releasing all his energy into a devastating palm strike aimed directly at the Goliath’s core. The sheer force of the blow caused the ground beneath him to crack and ripple, and the Goliath was sent hurtling backward, crashing through the swamp with an earth-shaking roar.
Sebastian fought to steady his machine as it groaned under the strain, steam hissing from ruptured valves and gears grinding as the robot worked to recover. Sung Ja-In, his breathing labored, stood tall despite the blood streaking his chest, his mastery of martial arts evident in every calculated move.
As the old man worked to regain control of the toppled Goliath, Katya emerged once more, her living scythe pulsating with an eerie life of its own. The weapon’s razor-sharp edges extended into claws, slashing at Sung Ja-In with unrelenting ferocity. Sung evaded the majority of her attacks, his movements still swift despite the mounting toll. But one strike found its mark—a deep gash across his chest that drew a sharp gasp of pain and a fresh surge of blood.
Sung Ja-In staggered but refused to falter. His gaze locked onto the blonde with unwavering determination, his injured body a testament to his resilience. Planting his feet firmly into the swampy ground, he inhaled deeply, his chest expanding as he gathered his remaining strength. His fists began to tremble with power as he executed the Heaven-Crushing Spiral, a technique designed to concentrate rotational force into a single, explosive strike.
As Katya advanced with her living scythe poised to strike again, Sung stepped into her momentum, twisting his body with a sudden burst of speed. His fist, now a blur of spiraling energy, drove upward in a precise arc, colliding with her stomach. The impact was devastating. A thunderous shockwave rippled outward, the force of his strike not just physical but laced with a sharp, almost cutting energy that seemed to reverberate through her body.
Katya felt the blow like a sledgehammer against her core. Pain erupted in her abdomen, the air forced from her lungs in a gasp as she was hurled backward. Time seemed to slow as she flew through the air, her scythe trembling in her grip as if reacting to her pain. Her vision blurred momentarily, and her thoughts scattered under the overwhelming force of the attack. When her body finally hit the swampy terrain, the impact sent up a spray of mud and water, leaving her sprawled and gasping for breath, her chest heaving as she fought to push the agony aside.
Kazue's scream pierced the tense air, her voice trembling with worry.
"Katya!"
She cried, her concern for her friend breaking through the chaos of the battlefield. Despite the pain, Katya’s grip on her scythe tightened, her knuckles white with determination as she forced herself to move, refusing to let Sung Ja-In see her fall.
With trembling hands, she fumbled as she reached into the pocket of her tattered uniform. Each breath she drew was a struggle, her chest tight with pain, her body sluggish from the devastating blow Sung Ja-In had delivered. The mud beneath her clung to her as if the swamp itself sought to keep her down. She gritted her teeth, focusing on the small but vital object in her pocket—the ‘Jade Sage Pill’, their last-resort means of recovery.
With great effort, she pulled it out, her fingers shaking so violently she nearly dropped it. The pill glimmered faintly, an emerald beacon of hope. Katya’s lips parted as she swallowed it, the bitterness barely registering amidst the pain that consumed her.
"Katya, hold on!"
Chloe’s voice rang out, urgent yet steady. The younger woman had sprinted across the uneven terrain, dodging puddles and mud to reach her. Chloe knelt beside her, her hands firm yet gentle as she slipped an arm under Katya’s shoulders, helping her sit upright.
"I’m fine…"
Katya murmured, her voice strained.
"You’re not fine, just focus on letting the pill do its job."
Chloe snapped, though her tone softened pretty fast. As the Jade Sage Pill began to work, warmth spread through Katya’s body. Her strength returned in waves, banishing the pain from her core and knitting her fractured ribs together. She inhaled deeply, her gaze sharpening as she steadied herself with Chloe’s help.
Meanwhile, Sung Ja-In was staggering, his breath ragged, his form bloodied but still defiant. The swampy battlefield was taking its toll, yet his movements remained deliberate, his will unbroken. Blood seeped from his many wounds, painting his robes a deeper red, but his grip on his composure remained ironclad.
Kazue, astride Kurayami, refused to give him even a second’s respite. Perched atop the massive black tiger, her posture was tense, her violet eyes narrowed in focus.
"Don’t let him recover!"
She barked, her voice filled with determination.
Kurayami let out a deafening roar, its sleek fur bristling as arcs of crackling electricity surged through its body. The tiger’s body seemed to shimmer in the swamp’s dim light as bolts of lightning erupted from it, striking indiscriminately in Sung Ja-In’s direction.
The Don’s eyes sharpened as he moved. Despite the muck beneath him and the strain of his injuries, his skill was undeniable. Each flicker of lightning was met with a precise sidestep, a fluid twist, or a well-timed leap. His movements were a dance, his mastery of evasion almost supernatural.
But Kazue wasn’t done. She stood on Kurayami’s back, steady despite the tiger’s shifting weight.
"Now!"
She thought, leaping into the air. Sung’s head snapped up just as Kazue descended toward him, her left fist encased in her red gauntlet. He crossed his arms defensively, bracing for impact. The force of her strike reverberated through his body as he slid back several feet in the mud, his muscles straining to absorb the blow.
The strike itself didn’t seem to harm him much, but then it happened—Kazue’s [Burn the Witch!] activated. Flames erupted around Sung Ja-In, blue and unrelenting. They clung to his body, searing his skin as they ignored the swamp’s moisture. A guttural snarl of pain escaped his lips as he swatted at the flames, but they refused to be extinguished.
Kurayami seized the opportunity. With the Don momentarily staggered, the tiger unleashed another volley of electrical discharges. The bolts found their mark this time, crackling against Sung’s form and eliciting a sharp grunt as his body convulsed under the force of the electricity.
Even after all this, Sung Ja-In stood tall. His bloodied face twisted into a mask of fury as he raised his gaze toward the group. His movements were slower now, each step deliberate, but the fire in his eyes burned as intensely as ever.
"You think this is enough to stop me?!"
He spat, his voice guttural and strained.
Kazue’s face hardened as she charged again, her gauntlet sparking with energy. The skill [Thunder Piercing Hand] activated, her fist encased in a glowing sphere of condensed lightning. She aimed directly for Sung Ja-In’s chest, intent on ending the fight.
But the Don was not so easily subdued. He sidestepped at the last moment, evading the electrified punch with millimeter precision. As Kazue’s momentum carried her forward, Sung prepared to counterattack. His muscles tensed, his eyes locked on her exposed side.
Then he realized he couldn’t move. His legs refused to obey him, held fast by the swampy terrain that had sucked him in up to his waist. His face contorted in frustration, a curse forming on his lips.
That was when the [Karma Devil Ball] struck. Guided with precision by Gregor from afar, the dark sphere hurtled through the air like a cannonball. It smashed into Sung’s face with a sickening impact, the force unleashing a deafening shockwave that rippled through the swamp.
The ground trembled, water and mud exploding outward as Sung Ja-In was flung backward, his form momentarily lost in the chaos. The sheer power of the attack left the air heavy with tension as the group stood still, their gazes fixed on the spot where the Don had landed.
The plan seemed to be working—almost too well.