The sky above was split with fragments of dimensions, reality itself tearing open as beings from the World of the Strongest Souls flooded in. Each one radiated a different form of overwhelming power, their presences colliding like crashing waves. The air grew thick, charged with an intense energy that weighed down on everything, each pulse threatening to tear the earth apart.
Kenzo stood still, a calm amidst the chaos, his gaze steady as he sized up the endless swarm descending on him and Dark. His lips curled into a faint smirk.
Kenzo: (to himself) So, they finally sent someone worth my time.
Dark, battered and exhausted, could only watch as Kenzo's aura flared. Even as the beings surged forward, surrounding them in a seemingly inescapable circle, Kenzo didn't flinch. Instead, he took a slow step forward, his aura intensifying until it practically scorched the air around him.
Dark: (thinking) How can he stay so calm? There's no end to them...
One of the creatures—a towering, monstrous figure with skin like molten stone and eyes that burned with a crimson fire—lunged first, its claws reaching for Kenzo. In a blur, Kenzo sidestepped the attack, his hand shooting forward to seize the creature by its face. With a simple squeeze, the being shattered into fragments, each piece disintegrating as if touched by pure annihilation.
Kenzo: (grinning) That all you got?
The other entities hesitated for just a moment, their momentum stalling as they observed Kenzo's effortless strength. But soon enough, more charged forward, their roars filling the air, shaking the ground beneath them.
Kenzo raised one hand, dark energy swirling around it before he unleashed it in a burst of sheer force. The impact was devastating, ripping through the front line of attackers and scattering them like leaves in a storm. Even those who remained standing felt the shockwave, stumbling backward from the sheer force.
Dark's eyes widened as he struggled to understand the scale of power Kenzo was wielding, a power so intense it seemed to outclass the very forces they were up against.
Dark: (thinking) He's... holding them all back. Alone.
Kenzo's eyes flickered toward Dark, a hint of amusement crossing his face.
Kenzo: (smirking) What, surprised? I thought you'd realize by now... I'm unstoppable.
More beings closed in, their attacks growing fiercer, more coordinated. Some hurled blasts of energy, others wielded weapons forged from forgotten realities. Kenzo weaved through them all with an eerie grace, sidestepping attacks with inches to spare, deflecting strikes that could shatter entire worlds with a flick of his wrist. Every movement he made was precise, almost effortless, as though he were barely even trying.
Kenzo's laughter cut through the din of battle, a dark, mocking sound.
Kenzo: (taunting) They sent all of you, and this is the best you can do?
He raised both hands, and in an instant, energy coiled around him, forming into a vast, dark orb that pulsed with raw power. With a sharp motion, Kenzo unleashed it, the blast ripping through the crowd of attackers in a wide arc, leaving only scorched remnants in its wake. The few who survived the blast barely had time to react before Kenzo closed the distance, dispatching each with ruthless efficiency.
Yet even as he struck down dozens of the invaders, more poured in through the rifts, each wave more powerful than the last.
Dark struggled to his feet, the sight overwhelming. He could feel the vast scale of power in every entity surrounding Kenzo, each one enough to pose a nearly impossible challenge. But to Kenzo, they were little more than pests.
A giant, otherworldly being—towering even above the others, its body composed of swirling galaxies and stardust—stepped forward, its voice a thunderous rumble.
Being: KENZO MAHAGO... YOUR TIME IS AT AN END.
Kenzo tilted his head, eyes gleaming with amusement.
Kenzo: Really? Seems to me you're a little late for that.
The creature swung an arm down, the space around it warping as it brought down an attack with the weight of a universe. But before it could land, Kenzo disappeared, reappearing above the being in an instant. With a single punch, he sent it hurtling back into one of the dimensional rifts, shattering it entirely.
Kenzo: (smirking) I told you... I'm just getting started.
Despite the endless numbers and the sheer variety of powers displayed by his attackers, Kenzo met them all head-on, a bastion against their ceaseless onslaught. For each attack he dodged, he countered with one of his own, each blow radiating a destructive energy that disintegrated his foes upon impact.
Kenzo: (to himself) If this is all they have, then they really should've thought this through.
Just then, a low chuckle echoed from the far side of the battlefield. Kenzo paused, narrowing his eyes as he scanned the crowd. From the shadows stepped a figure, cloaked in an aura that felt different from the others. This being exuded a calm, unsettling power, one that felt less like aggression and more like calculation.
Mysterious Figure: (smiling) Well, Kenzo... It seems you haven't lost your touch.
Kenzo's eyes narrowed, recognizing the voice instantly.
Kenzo: (coldly) You.
But before he could react, the figure raised a hand, and the remaining beings surged forward in a coordinated attack, surrounding Kenzo on all sides, cutting off any escape.
Dark: (desperate) Kenzo!
But Kenzo only smirked, flexing his fists as a dark, explosive energy began to build around him.
Kenzo: (grinning) You want a real fight? Come and get
Kenzo all of a sudden unleashes a blast that shook the entire landscape, consuming the army of beings in a devastating wave of destruction, obliterating everything in its path.
The blast ripped through the landscape like a wave of chaos incarnate, the ground splitting and crumbling as beings disintegrated in its wake. Dark stood stunned, watching as Kenzo carved through the endless waves of attackers with a precision and brutality that seemed beyond anything he had ever imagined.
Dark: (thinking) How... how is he doing all this? He's unstoppable, relentless... as if this power is nothing to him.
Before he could fully process the thought, Dark sensed a sudden shift in the air behind him. He whipped around, ready to strike, but froze as he came face-to-face with one of the monstrous beings, its claws raised, poised to end him. Time seemed to slow, his body struggling to react fast enough.
But in an instant, Kenzo was there, his arm extended, gripping the creature by the top of its head. The being writhed in his grasp, its body shaking with terror as Kenzo's aura flared around his hand, dense and suffocating.
Kenzo's gaze was locked onto the creature, cold and unyielding. The aura around his hand expanded, forming a dark, swirling mass that seemed to pull the creature's very essence into itself. With a sudden, crushing squeeze, Kenzo's aura erupted, and the creature exploded in his hand, disintegrating into nothingness.
Kenzo: (glancing over at Dark) You alright?
Dark, still wide-eyed, managed a nod, his voice caught in his throat. The weight of Kenzo's power, his effortless dominance over these beings, left him speechless.
The scene shifted slightly as the view pulled back, revealing Leona, Tier, Cron, and Gilmuar hiding behind a massive tree at the edge of the clearing. Their expressions ranged from awe to horror as they watched the devastation unfold before them, Kenzo's overwhelming aura making the air around them feel heavy, oppressive.
Leona: (whispering, barely able to breathe) He's... he's destroying them all, without hesitation....Is this really Gilmuar's brother?
Tier: (nervously) I've never seen power like this. Even Dark struggles, but Kenzo...this guy...or monster....
Tier: he's on a different level.
Cron: (grimly) We can't help Dark with someone like that around. It's as if he doesn't care what he destroys, so long as he gets what he wants.
Gilmuar's gaze was locked on Kenzo, his jaw clenched tightly.
Gilmuar: (thinking) That's Kenzo...my oldest brother...
Gilmuar: ...A force of nature that only grows stronger and more powerful every second....
Leona, still watching in awe, reached out and placed a hand on Gilmuar's shoulder.
Leona: (whispering) Gilmuar... are you sure we should be here? If he senses us—
Gilmuar: (firmly) I know. But Dark's out there, and if there's even a chance we can help him... we have to try. Kenzo may be my brother, but he's unpredictable. There's no telling when he'll turn his sights on us.
As they continued to watch, Kenzo turned his attention back to the remaining attackers. His dark aura flared once more, a vortex of energy swirling around him, each pulse sending shockwaves through the ground. Dark felt the tremors beneath his feet, watching as Kenzo's power distorted the very air around them.
Dark: (thinking) This is beyond crazy..... He's not just fighting them... he's toying with them. He's enjoying every last bit of this.....carnage....
One of the creatures, larger and more imposing than the rest, let out a guttural roar and charged straight at Kenzo, its twisted form glowing with a strange, unstable energy. But Kenzo barely glanced at it. With a flick of his wrist, he sent a blast of energy that collided with the creature, obliterating it mid-step.
Kenzo: (smirking, taunting) Is this all? I was expecting something that could at least keep me interested for a minute. Pathetic maggots.
Another creature managed to slip past Kenzo, Kenzo notices but smirks while letting the creature lunge towards Dark with razor-sharp claws. Dark braced himself, his grip tightening on his sword. But before he could react, Kenzo appeared beside him, his hand latching onto the creature's head.
Kenzo: (with a cold grin) Not so fast you bloody dogshit.
In one fluid motion, Kenzo's aura erupted around his hand, and the creature's head imploded under the pressure, its body falling lifelessly to the ground. Kenzo turned to Dark, his gaze almost amused.
Kenzo: You might want to keep up, Dark.
Dark felt a chill run through him as he looked into Kenzo's eyes—cold, calculating, and entirely unaffected by the carnage around him. Kenzo wasn't protecting him out of any sense of camaraderie; he was simply... enjoying himself.
The camera shifted back to Leona, Tier, Cron, and Gilmuar, who were still watching from behind the massive tree, their faces a mix of horror and disbelief.
Leona: (whispering, voice shaking) This... this is a massacre.
Tier: (in disbelief) Dark is out there, right next to him. He's just... standing there while Kenzo tears these things apart.
Cron clenched his fists, his face etched with frustration.
Cron: If Dark doesn't pull back soon, Kenzo might turn his attention on him. And when he does...
Gilmuar's face was grim as he watched his brother in action, the raw power Kenzo unleashed tearing through reality itself.
Gilmuar: (thinking) Kenzo's enjoying this, like it's all some kind of game. He won't stop until everything in his path is gone...
Kenzo's dark energy spread across the battlefield like an unstoppable tide, each wave obliterating rows of creatures with terrifying ease. But as Dark watched, he felt the weight of Kenzo's presence bear down on him—a reminder of the vast difference in power between them.
Dark: (thinking, gritting his teeth) He's not even trying... and he's already this powerful.
The air grew still for a moment, as if the battlefield itself was holding its breath. Suddenly, a shadow loomed behind Dark. He spun around, his greatsword raised, ready to defend himself. But before he could make a move, Kenzo's hand shot past him, gripping the creature's head with crushing force.
Kenzo: (smirking) Careful there, Dark. You might get yourself killed if you're not paying attention.
Kenzo's aura surged, and the creature's body collapsed into dust within his grip. He released the ashes, glancing at Dark with something almost like amusement.
Kenzo: (coldly) Don't fall behind. I want to see what you're truly capable of.
Dark steadied himself, forcing back the tremor in his hands. He could feel the burning pressure of Kenzo's gaze, the silent demand for him to fight harder, to prove himself worthy of the battle that lay ahead.
Meanwhile, behind a massive tree, Leona, Tier, Cron, and Gilmuar observed, each feeling the raw intensity of Kenzo's power from a distance.
Leona: (whispering, tense) Look at Dark... he's holding his own, but barely. And Kenzo... he's like a force of nature.
Cron: (angry) We can't just sit here and do nothing. We have to find a way to help him!
Gilmuar: (sternly) No. If we interfere, we'll only put Dark in more danger. This fight... it's something he has to face head-on... Plus.
Gilmuar looks at Dark for a moment.
Gilmuar: He still has many tricks up his sleeves. This is not Dark's limits.
Back on the battlefield, Dark launched himself forward, his grip tightening around the immense greatsword in his hands. He could feel the blade's power pulsing with his own heartbeat, resonating with his determination. The weight of it was unimaginable, as if he held a universe in his hands, and yet it felt natural—like an extension of his own spirit.
Dark: (thinking) Alright, time to do this....
He charged forward, slicing through creatures in rapid succession. Each swing of his sword was like a shockwave, the force tearing through his enemies and sending them flying back. Kenzo observed him closely, arms folded, an unreadable expression in his eyes.
Kenzo: (smiling faintly) So... you're finally starting to understand what it takes.
But as Dark struck down creature after creature, a tremor suddenly ran through the battlefield. Portals tore open in the sky above, and from them emerged a new wave of beings—stronger, more twisted, with glowing eyes that fixed hungrily on Dark and Kenzo.
Kenzo: (watching them descend) Looks like they're bringing in reinforcements.
Dark braced himself, breathing heavily, sweat mixing with the blood and dust covering his skin. He glanced at Kenzo, who hadn't moved, his gaze still calm, unyielding.
Dark: (thinking) He's testing me. He wants me to push myself until I break.
The new creatures wasted no time, rushing at Dark from all sides. Dark gritted his teeth, summoning every ounce of his strength as he swung his sword in a wide arc, creating a barrier of raw energy around him. The creatures collided with it, but it only held for a moment before shattering, forcing Dark to dive forward, his sword cutting through the onslaught.
In the midst of the chaos, Kenzo appeared beside him, his movements swift and precise. Without a word, he grabbed one of the creatures lunging at Dark and crushed it in his grip, his gaze never leaving Dark's face.
Kenzo: (smirking) Don't let up, Dark. Show me if you're worth the time I'm wasting here.
Dark felt a surge of frustration and determination welling up inside him. He pushed back, swinging his greatsword with renewed vigor, refusing to let Kenzo's words shake him. As he fought, he noticed a faint glow emanating from the blade—a dark, pulsing aura that seemed to resonate with his will.
Dark: (thinking) This sword... it's alive, and it's feeding off my energy.
Kenzo raised an eyebrow, noticing the aura around Dark's weapon. For the first time, a flicker of interest crossed his face, a recognition of the power Dark was beginning to wield.
Kenzo: (thinking) How can a blade awaken twice in one battle? Could it be? The Kyuketsu?
But even as he thought this, the horde of creatures kept pouring in, their numbers growing by the second, their cries filling the air. Kenzo's eyes narrowed as he released another blast of energy, clearing a path through the crowd.
Kenzo: (calmly) Let's see if you can keep up, Dark.
Dark stomped down with raw power, sending a shockwave rippling through the ground. The force cracked outward in a spiderweb pattern, fracturing the earth into massive squares, each piece trembling as the impact spread. He steadied himself, his eyes blazing with resolve.
Dark: (shouting) COME AT ME!!! ALL OF YOU!!!
Kenzo raised an eyebrow, his expression shifting to one of intrigue as he watched Dark's audacity.
Kenzo: (whispering to himself) This kid really is something... truly interesting....
The camera shifted to capture Dark in the heart of battle, surrounded by waves of creatures, each one descending upon him with a hunger for destruction. Dark tore through them, a whirlwind of power as his greatsword cleaved entire rows at once, each swing dispatching hundreds, if not thousands. The creatures barely had time to react before they fell, and yet, each was a being capable of holding a multiverse within their grasp. Yet here was Dark, shattering them with raw strength and precision.
The onslaught continued, Dark's form almost blurred from the intensity of his movements. He was relentless, focused, and unstoppable. But then, a sudden, chilling presence washed over the battlefield. One by one, the creatures stilled, their eyes shifting toward a single point on the battlefield. Dark stopped mid-swing, sensing the shift, and slowly turned to see where they were looking—toward Kenzo.
Kenzo: (frowning, bewildered) What? Why are you looking at me like that?
Dark's voice cut through the quiet.
Dark: What's that... behind you?
Kenzo turned, and his eyes widened as he took in the sight. A figure loomed in the distance, a dark silhouette cloaked in an otherworldly aura. Floating on each of the figure's shoulders were two swirling black holes—one emitting a faint blue hue, the other pulsing with a deep red light.
Divine Blue and Divine Red.
The Divine Blue black hole radiated an oppressive force, almost like a barrier that swallowed any threat before it could reach. It was a forcefield that manipulated the very fabric of reality, warping and stopping incoming attacks with an effortless indifference. The Divine Red, however, emitted a different energy—an amplification that didn't just reflect force but increased it tenfold, a raw, consuming energy that absorbed attacks and unleashed them back with devastating, multiplied force. Together, the two entities created an unassailable balance of defense and offense, controlled effortlessly by the figure.
The figure moved forward with a menacing calm, each step echoing as if it held the weight of countless worlds.
Kenzo: (thinking, feeling the chill in his bones) This presence... it's... beyond anything I've felt.
The camera shifted to Kenzo's perspective—a unique, almost heightened vision. Kenzo saw not just the figure, but the sheer scale of pressure, presence, and aura surrounding it, each layer of power folding over itself. He could see the essence of this being, towering over even the likes of Sukojo. It wasn't just strength; it was mastery, refined beyond comprehension.
A voice echoed across the landscape, reverberating with an ethereal force that carried across a 29-meter radius, its tones like the depths of an endless cavern.
Figure: My name is Ace.
The name sent a shockwave of realization through Kenzo. His gaze narrowed, but his pupils dilated in a rare flash of fear, something he hadn't felt in eons. Ace's aura expanded, an intangible weight pressing down on the battlefield. Then he spoke again, his voice seeping with finality.
Ace: Rank 1.
Kenzo's eyes widened further. For the first time in a long time, the most revered and feared warrior next to Sukojo felt the crushing weight of true terror. He muttered, his voice shaky.
Kenzo: R-Rank 1?... Ace?... no... it can't be...
Ace's lips curled into an arrogant smile, and with a sudden 360-degree spin, his entire appearance shifted. He now stood with an aura of dark charisma, wearing a red hat tilted slightly to one side. His attire matched—a long red coat draped across his shoulders, reminiscent of a conqueror's cape, billowing in the eerie stillness. On either side of his waist rested decks of cards, each razor-sharp and glinting with a gleam that suggested they could cut through the fabric of reality itself.
Kenzo instinctively backed away, feeling the overwhelming intimidation radiating from Ace. He wasn't alone. The creatures surrounding them, even those who had been on the verge of attacking moments before, began retreating back to their realms, their eyes filled with fear. They knew the fate that awaited if they dared stay.
Dark, wide-eyed, struggled to comprehend the scene unfolding before him.
Dark: (thinking) No way... Who the hell is Ace? And what does Rank 1 mean? This... this presence is on another level.
From a distance, hidden behind a massive tree, Gilmuar watched with mounting dread.
Gilmuar: (thinking, in disbelief) A-A-Ace?! THE LEGENDARY WARRIOR?! No... this can't be...
Gilmuar: (thinking) He was infamous... a ruthless deceiver, a backstabbing criminal... And he died over 49,000 years ago... How is he here? Could he have...?
The camera zoomed in on Ace's face. His smile grew, arrogant and self-assured, as if he had been waiting for this exact moment.
Gilmuar: (thinking, his thoughts racing) Could this man... have possibly... faked his own death?
A tension settled over Gilmuar, a weight of realization that tightened in his chest.
Gilmuar: (thinking, heart pounding) Kenzo... He may be strong, but against Ace... he doesn't stand a chance.
Gilmuar glanced at Dark, his concern for his brother intensifying. Then his eyes moved to Leona, Cron, and Tier, who all shared the same silent dread. He reached out mentally, hoping for some kind of plan, any way to tilt the odds in their favor.
Cron: (thinking, voice reaching Gilmuar's mind) Gilmuar, I can hear your thoughts... Ace faked his own death. I saw it back then. I almost interfered, but the moment I felt his presence, I knew—I knew stepping in would be a mistake.
Gilmuar: (thinking) So what are we supposed to do? My brother doesn't stand a chance. The moment the fight begins, he'll be outmatched, maybe even killed in the first few seconds... That's Ace we're up against.
Cron: (thinking, frustrated) Yeah, no kidding. This is beyond bad... Damn it... Shou, lend me a hand, will you?
Gilmuar: (thinking, confused) Shou? What are you talking about?
Cron: (thinking) It's nothing you need to worry about, Gilmuar. Just... ancient business.
Gilmuar: (thinking) So then... what do we do?
Cron's expression hardened as he looked out over the battlefield, then back at Gilmuar.
Cron: (thinking) I'll take some distance and use the Divergent Fist of God. I'll aim directly at them.
Gilmuar's eyes widened in shock, his mind racing.
Gilmuar: (thinking) Wait... wouldn't that kill Dark?
Cron's voice was calm, almost unnervingly so.
Cron: (thinking) In reality? Yes. But in a different sense? No.
Gilmuar: (thinking) What? That doesn't even make sense...
Cron: (thinking, smirking) Dark's body is attuned to Sukojo's regenerative speed. If he's struck down, he'll just keep coming back. Practically immortal.
Gilmuar: (thinking, exasperated) That sounds insane...
Cron: (thinking) Don't worry, I'll explain it once we get out of this. Now, let's get this over with. I'd rather be home right now.
With a confident stride, Cron stepped forward, stretching his arms, rolling his shoulders, and cracking his neck with a calm intensity that seemed to steady him for the impossible. The air around him shimmered as he summoned his Arsenal and Inventory magic, the space around him filling with ethereal energy, powerful and volatile.
Cron stopped a few paces from the edge of the battlefield and extended his right hand, forming it into a fist, his left hand steadying his right arm by gripping the elbow joint. His legs shifted apart, establishing a grounded stance that exuded raw power—balanced, focused, and ready to unleash.
Cron's form resembled a combat stance designed for complete focus and strength, legs braced just enough to balance his weight, his fist aligned with the very air before him, as though he were channeling power through the fabric of reality itself.
Cron took a deep breath, his voice resonating with calm authority as he spoke into the shifting air around him, every syllable filled with raw, almost reverent power.
Cron: Through my Arsenal and Inventory magic...
He paused, his gaze lifting to the skies above, focusing his energy as he continued.
Cron: I honorably request to the dearest Cosmic...
A rare solemnity crossed his face as his usually relaxed expression hardened, his focus razor-sharp.
Cron: To lend me a mere fraction of your strength...
Cron: The Divergent Fist of God.
As he uttered the words, a surreal transformation began. Around his right hand, a gauntlet started to materialize, but it wasn't mere metal. It was a dense, celestial material, shimmering with energies beyond comprehension—elements from a realm far removed from mortal reach. The gauntlet was cosmic in nature, intricate engravings swirling across its surface, patterns that seemed to shift as if alive. The armor was composed of layers, each infused with star-like flecks that pulsed faintly, the surface radiating a silent, all-consuming strength.
Cron's aura surged as he raised his fist, the air around him rippling, time itself seeming to bend in response to the immense power building within him. With each step forward, the ground trembled beneath his feet, cracks spider-webbing outward as reality struggled to accommodate the sheer force contained in his form.
Time slowed, every frame deliberate as he extended his body, aligning every muscle, every ounce of power into a single motion. His right hand shot forward, and the gauntlet seemed to release an explosive force that turned the very atmosphere into a conduit of destruction. His fist struck through the air as though it were a physical barrier, sending an unfathomable shockwave forward, each moment rippling out in slow, vivid frames. The impact traveled, shattering the surrounding space, each pulse reverberating like thunder, disintegrating everything in its wake.
The battlefield exploded outward, the ground tearing apart into fragmented pieces, rupturing dimensions as entire realms seemed to fracture under the sheer intensity of his strike. Colors bled into the air as rifts opened up, and bursts of energy twisted and collided like crashing waves of unrestrained force. The heavens seemed to tremble, stars dimming as the cosmic shockwave tore through the landscape with obliterating, world-shattering power.
As the smoke and debris finally began to clear, Cron stood, breathing heavily as he scanned the aftermath. Ahead of him, the land was ravaged, torn as if by gods, the ground reduced to a smoldering abyss. In the distance, he saw Kenzo lying motionless, visibly battered and breathing in slow, labored breaths. Dark lay nearby, his form still, the remnants of the battle evident across his body.
Cron's gaze shifted, his eyes narrowing as he searched the desolate field. Where is Ace? The silence was unsettling, the stillness stretching, a tension rising as he tried to sense any sign of the adversary.
Just then, a voice sliced through the silence, low and menacing, right by his ear.
Ace: So... did you get him?
Cron froze, his head snapping around as he turned, coming face-to-face with Ace, who stood far too close, a wicked grin etched onto his face. In that moment, Cron understood. His fate was sealed.
Before he could react, his vision blurred. In an instant, his body shattered, fragments scattering like pieces of torn flesh. Ace's card had done this, its razor-sharp edge cutting through him with surgical precision, leaving Cron in pieces, his form reduced to mere fragments of flesh in an instant.
Ace stood there, unphased, his expression cold, looking out over the destruction he had
unleashed, his gaze shifting to the other bodies sprawled across the landscape.
Ace stepped forward, eyes locked onto Kenzo with a smirk of disdain. As he closed the distance, he leaned in close, voice low and venomous, dripping with contempt.
Ace: (quietly, yet sharply) People like you... always thinking you're almighty. Just more pathetic insects.
With deliberate cruelty, Ace spat, an act that carried a tangible sense of disgust. The camera pulled back, revealing Cron, body bloodied but standing, forcing himself upright despite the strain. His gaze was fierce, burning with defiance as he looked toward Ace.
Cron: (calling out, with raw defiance) Oi... Where the hell do you think you're going?
Ace paused, his attention shifting toward Cron, amusement flashing across his face. He raised an eyebrow, observing Cron with a faint, mocking interest, as though Cron was some peculiar creature that had dared to rise against him.
Ace: (chuckling softly) Oh? Immortality, huh?
Cron stood his ground, teeth gritted, voice laced with determination.
Cron: (firmly) You got that right.
Ace's expression shifted, and his eyes glinted with a dark, malicious excitement.
Ace: (smirking wider) So you think you can't die, is that it? Fine. Then I'll make you wish you could.
With barely a movement, Ace lowered his stance, shifting into an almost casual pose, his smirk unwavering. Cron's eyes widened, instincts screaming at him to move, but before he could react, Ace blurred, closing the gap between them in an instant.
Cron: (thinking, panicked) He's too fast... way too fast—
Ace's hand descended in a deadly arc, his fingers tightening in a mere neck chop aimed directly at Cron. The instant Ace's hand connected with Cron's shoulder, an explosion of force erupted, far surpassing anything Cron could have anticipated. The impact tore through everything, radiating with unstoppable power. The earth itself fractured under the weight, tectonic plates splintering apart, ripping through the mantle. The shockwaves ripped outward, sending shudders through the atmosphere and beyond, upending the very sky.
Everywhere Cron looked, destruction surrounded him as if the world itself was collapsing under the weight of Ace's touch. The landscape buckled, crumbling in all directions as Ace's strike rippled through reality. Cron was driven into the ground, his body skidding across the fractured earth, leaving a trail of smoke and dust in his wake. He gasped, blood spilling from his lips, eyes wide as he struggled to grasp the sheer devastation around him.
Cron: (gasping, voice weak and shaken) W-What... the hell... was that?
Ace strode forward, his face twisting into an expression of pure mockery, almost gleeful in its cruelty.
Ace: (chuckling darkly) What's wrong? Just a little tap, and you're already done? I expected more from someone pretending to be immortal.
Cron's mind raced, struggling to make sense of the unrelenting power Ace had unleashed.
Cron: (thinking, still in disbelief) Did... Did I just die twice from a single hit? From a neck chop...? That little hit...
Ace threw his head back, a mocking laugh reverberating through the ruined landscape.
Ace: (laughing) Look at you! That face... all that overthinking over one measly hit. Pathetic, isn't it?
Cron's fists tightened as he forced himself up, rage igniting within him.
End Of Arc 2 Chapter 14.