Kachiro's sword sliced through the air with deadly precision, aimed at Kuroshi's deftly evading form. She danced out of the way just in time, countering with a swift kick aimed at his face.
"Aye—" Kachiro began, but his words were cut short as he seized Kuroshi's leg and hurled her into a nearby bush with surprising force.
Meanwhile, amidst the chaos of the battle:
"Ow, my arm..." Ryoshi winced in pain, clutching his injured limb.
"Let my many weapons rain upon you!!!" Kutsiva's voice boomed from above as ten purple portals surrounded Ryoshi, unleashing a barrage of knives towards him. With lightning reflexes, Ryoshi dodged each blade with skillful precision.
"Hah!" Ryoshi exhaled sharply, his movements agile as he anticipated Kutsiva's next move.
Breaking through the ceiling wielding an axe, Kutsiva descended upon Ryoshi with deadly intent.
"Surriku No Ha!" Ryoshi's voice reverberated with power as he summoned his weapon, intercepting Kutsiva's slash with expert timing.
"Ice Magic: Ice Spikes," Ryoshi chanted, conjuring two icicles mere inches away from Kutsiva's ankles.
"Fire!" With a flick of his wrist, Ryoshi launched the icy projectiles towards Kutsiva's exposed ankles, eliciting a cry of pain from his opponent.
"AGH- Oh, you!..." Kutsiva's retort was cut short by Ryoshi's interruption.
"They gave me the weak one," Ryoshi taunted, his tone dripping with sarcasm.
"Shut—" Kutsiva attempted to respond, but Ryoshi continued, undeterred.
"So what, is your ability to create weapons or something?" Ryoshi prodded, his curiosity piqued.
"You'll see soon enough," Kutsiva replied cryptically, his gaze narrowing with determination.
"I wanna see right now, though," Ryoshi persisted.
"Fine with me." Kutsiva's response was accompanied by the creation of a sword that began to rapidly grow in size, its gleaming blade casting an ominous shadow over the battlefield.
"Behold, my ability to increase the size of objects!" Kutsiva declared triumphantly, his voice echoing across the battlefield.
"That is... alarmingly big," Ryoshi muttered, his eyes widening in disbelief as the colossal sword hurtled towards him.
"Shit, shit shit shit shit shit—" Ryoshi cursed under his breath, his movements swift and decisive as he sliced the sword in half with a single stroke of his own blade.
"Impossible..." Kutsiva's voice faltered, his expression incredulous as he watched his oversized weapon fall to pieces.
"Are you just gonna stand there?" Ryoshi taunted, his tone laced with sarcasm.
"Sorry," Kutsiva conceded, dropping to his knees and relinquishing his axe.
"Better?" he asked, his gaze meeting Ryoshi's.
"Oh yeah, right..." Ryoshi's response was cut short as a shield struck the back of his head.
"You bitch!—" Ryoshi's words were interrupted as Kutsiva lunged at him wielding two knives.
"You... SUCK!" Ryoshi exclaimed, his frustration palpable as he prepared to defend himself against the relentless assault.
Meanwhile, amidst the clash of steel and fury:
"M.A.G.I.C, MAGIC? Is that a coincidence or..." Hiyoku's voice trailed off, his mind racing with thoughts and possibilities.
"I have no idea, nor do I care. But we're kicking your ass right now..." Seabi's retort was sharp and dismissive, his focus unwavering.
"That's enough joking around, buddy," Hiyoku's voice held a note of warning, his patience wearing thin.
"Seabi, don't you find it lucky that they didn't single one of us out?" Corse's observation was met with a nod of agreement from his companion.
"Yeah, that's a godsend. I would have been screwed if I didn't have you to fight with," Seabi acknowledged, his tone tinged with gratitude.
"I'm guessing that... YOU'RE THE DUMB ONE!!!" Hiyoku's accusation was met with confusion from Corse.
"WHERE DID YOU GET THAT FROM!?" Corse protested, his voice rising with indignation.
"You two talk like scientist and minion," Hiyoku observed, his words tinged with amusement.
"I- I still don't see where you got 'dumb one' from!!!" Corse retorted, his frustration evident.
"You are pretty stupid sometimes," Seabi chimed in, his tone teasing.
"Pft- Tell that to Kogito during a card game," Corse challenged, his pride wounded.
"Oh WELL—" Seabi began, but Hiyoku interrupted, his patience wearing thin.
"You two are about to murder each other before I do!" Hiyoku exclaimed, his voice tinged with exasperation.
"SHUT UP!!!" Seabi and Corse retorted in unison, their frustration boiling over.
"Like really, you two argue like an old married couple," Hiyoku remarked, his tone teasing.
"That's disgusting, you're disgusting, stop being disgusting," Corse retorted, his cheeks flushing with embarrassment.
"What, nothing wrong with two men loving each other," Hiyoku countered, his tone casual.
"Oooh yea, he doesn't know," Seabi whispered conspiratorially to Corse.
"Know what?" Hiyoku's curiosity was piqued, his gaze shifting between his two opponents.
"Let's use that to our advantage," Seabi suggested, a mischievous glint in his eyes.
"What?" Hiyoku's confusion was evident, his brow furrowing with suspicion.
"Time to reveal our secret ability!" Seabi declared, his voice filled with excitement.
"I was wondering when you guys would reveal it... WAIT, OUR? AS IN, COMBINATION?" Hiyoku's realization dawned, his eyes widening in surprise.
"I guess so," Seabi confirmed with a grin.
"Just do it already," Corse urged, his excitement palpable.
"Magical Weapon: Tsuki No Ono," Seabi chanted, his voice echoing with power. As he spoke, Corse's body transformed into light and swiftly coalesced into a large hatchet in Seabi's hand. The weapon gleamed with a shiny silver handle, its axehead a deep black with a bright red edge. A small red gem adorned the eye of the blade, glowing with a mystical energy.
"Whoa..." Hiyoku's voice was filled with awe as he watched Seabi's transformation.
"Yeah, that's Corse's ability. He's my Magical Weapon!" Seabi explained, his tone tinged with pride.
"So does that mean he's your past ancestor?" Hiyoku's curiosity was evident in his voice.
"No, but he is my sworn brother turned into my Magical Weapon," Seabi clarified, his gaze focused on the battle ahead.
"WAIT, HE'S YOUR BROTHER!?" Hiyoku exclaimed, his surprise evident.
"Not that kind of brother... Forget it, I'll tear you to shreds!" Seabi declared before leaping towards Hiyoku with determination.
Meanwhile, amidst the flurry of light and shadows:
Kuroshi fired multiple bullets of light at Kachiro, her attacks swift and relentless. However, Kachiro effortlessly deflected each projectile with casual ease.
"Fighting this isn't gonna get us anywhere, Kuroshi!" Kachiro's voice carried a note of warning as he vanished from sight.
"Where did you—" Kuroshi's question was cut short as Kachiro reappeared directly in front of her.
"You're scared," Kachiro's voice deepened, sending a chill down Kuroshi's spine.
Before she could react, Kachiro delivered a powerful punch to her stomach, causing her to stagger back.
"What does being fisted feel like?" Kachiro taunted with his altered voice, his words filled with malice.
"Tch—" Kuroshi grunted in pain, her resolve unbroken despite the blow.
Suddenly, the building where Ryoshi and Kutsiva were locked in combat erupted in a small explosion, sending Kutsiva tumbling out of it in a disheveled heap.
"Oh?" Kachiro's voice carried a mixture of surprise and concern as Ryoshi emerged from the rubble of the destroyed building.
"Sorry... Kachiro," Kutsiva apologized, his voice tinged with regret.
"WHO'S NEXT!" Ryoshi's voice reverberated with determination, his gaze locking onto his next opponent.
"Kutsiva, get up, you can still fight," Kachiro urged, his tone firm with encouragement.
"You think I can beat him?" Kutsiva's voice held a hint of uncertainty.
"I know you can beat him," Kachiro reassured him, his confidence unwavering.
"Heh, thanks for the distraction!" Kutsiva's voice was filled with determination as he prepared to reenter the fray.
A ginormous hammer descended from the sky above Ryoshi, catching him off guard.
"What—" Ryoshi began, but quickly reacted, leaping towards the hammer and redirecting it towards Kutsiva with a swift kick.
"WAIT, NO!" Kutsiva's voice echoed with horror as the hammer crushed his upper body into a bloody pulp.
"KUTSIVAAAAAAAAAAA!!!!" Kachiro's anguished cry filled the air as he watched his comrade fall.
In another corner of the battlefield:
Kachiro's fist pierced through Kuroshi's stomach, impaling her with brutal force. With a swift motion, he withdrew his hand, allowing her lifeless body to crumple to the ground.
"My hand slipped," Kachiro remarked in a deep voice, his expression unreadable.
"K-Kuroshi..." Ryoshi's voice trembled with grief as he stood frozen, staring at his fallen ally.
Meanwhile, amidst the chaos:
Hiyoku swiftly dodged Seabi's relentless attacks, his movements agile and precise.
Why can't I hit this guy!?! Seabi's frustrated thoughts echoed in his mind as he continued to press the attack.
Hiyoku backflipped away from Seabi, creating distance between them.
"Hey, I gotta ask you something," Hiyoku called out, his tone serious.
"What?" Seabi responded, his focus shifting to his opponent's inquiry.
"What's your ability?" Hiyoku's question cut through the tension, his curiosity piqued.
"First time anyone other than Corse asked me that. Witness my heart," Seabi declared, his chest unleashing a powerful sound wave that sent Hiyoku staggering back.
"What the hell are you doing?" Hiyoku demanded, his voice tinged with surprise and confusion.
"The sound of my heart. I call my ability Nam. Not only does my heart create powerful sound waves, it allows me to be immune to spells or anything that forcefully changes my motives, personality, thought, emotions, or even consciousness! I can also push people into insanity or make people feel a certain way," Seabi explained, his voice resonating with power.
"Sounds strong, but I'll burn right through your heart!!!" Hiyoku declared, his fist igniting with flames as he charged towards Seabi with renewed determination.
Seabi's voice rang out with determination. "Skill 1: Blood Slashes!"
Multiple red projectile slashes surged towards Hiyoku, but he deflected them effortlessly with his flaming fist.
"How did you—" Seabi's question was cut short as Hiyoku's fiery punch connected with his face, sending him hurtling through boulders until he collided with a large rock. The impact caused Seabi to drop Corse, who reverted back to his human form.
"Seabi... He's knocked out! Sorry, Kachiro, but we have to pull back," Corse announced, urgency lacing his words as he scooped up Seabi and made a hasty retreat.
Meanwhile, amidst the chaos:
"Kuroshi..." Ryoshi's voice was heavy with grief as he looked upon his fallen comrade.
"You're next!" Kachiro's voice cut through the air, his gaze locking onto Ryoshi with unwavering determination.
"Ice Mana Burst!!!" Ryoshi unleashed a surge of ice mana, followed by his cry of "Ice Magic: Ice Tip!!!" as he charged towards Kachiro with renewed resolve.
"Don't you get it," Kachiro's deep voice resonated with power as he effortlessly blocked Ryoshi's sword with a single finger.
"You're not stronger than me," Kachiro declared before delivering a devastating slash across Ryoshi's chest, sending him crashing to the ground.
"What to do, what to do," Kachiro mused, assessing the situation.
"YEAAAAA!!!" Suddenly, Hiyoku's fiery form descended from the air towards Kachiro with both fists ablaze.
"I guess I won," Kachiro remarked calmly, his attention focused on his fallen opponent.
"Don't waste your energy," a new voice interjected, as a man wearing a blue coat with white hair and blue eyes appeared between Kachiro and Hiyoku.
"What—" Kachiro began, but the man swiftly created a wall of blood ice behind him, blocking Hiyoku's advance.
"Who are you?" Kachiro demanded, his gaze narrowing with suspicion.
"I'm not important to you. This will be the only time I will ever see you. I'm here for the boy, Ryoshi," the man replied cryptically.
"Over my dead bod—" Hiyoku's words were cut off abruptly as he found himself unable to move.
"And I froze all the blood in your body. The only thing keeping you alive is your mana," the man explained, his voice cold and detached.
"Well, I'm not letting you take him," Kachiro declared defiantly.
"Too bad, so sad," the man retorted before disappearing, leaving behind only Ryoshi's limp form.
"I can move again... AND I'M SO COLD!!!" Hiyoku exclaimed, shivering from the sudden chill.
"Dammit, I'm out of time," Kachiro muttered, his expression grim as he prepared to depart.
"What?" Hiyoku's confusion was evident as Kachiro vanished from sight.
"Kids!" a familiar voice called out, breaking through the chaos.
"Judin!" Hiyoku exclaimed with relief as their ally approached.
"You can explain it to me later, but right now we need to get to safety," Judin urged, his voice firm with determination.