The S.W.O.R.D. agents watched Chthon's attacks grow stronger and stronger, their worry mounting. The latest attack, a massive black beam, seemed capable of obliterating an entire world. Even Nick Fury feared that this time, Wang Yan might not withstand it. Given the power of the attack, it seemed reasonable to assume that even Wang Yan might fall.
However, to their astonishment, when the massive beam dissipated, Wang Yan remained standing, unscathed within his magical shield, unchanged and calm.
"As expected of Master Wang Yan, unafraid even of such a being's attack!" Nick Fury breathed a sigh of relief. He couldn't imagine what would happen to Earth if Wang Yan failed. For now, at least, Wang Yan had managed to repel this terrifying foe, and hope for Earth's survival remained.
"Thank goodness, Master Wang Yan blocked it!"
"Master Wang Yan is truly our savior!"
The S.W.O.R.D. agents were collectively relieved. They were Earth's defensive line, but when they couldn't hold, all they had was Wang Yan.
Chthon, on the other hand, was furious. As the god of dark magic, he couldn't believe he couldn't defeat a human. If other gods witnessed this, it would be utterly humiliating. Worse, he had used the same spell three times and failed.
"Sorcerer, I don't know how you can withstand my Death Ray, but today you will die!" Chthon roared, vowing that Earth would suffer his divine wrath. He imagined countless ways to torment Wang Yan.
From within the Seraphim's Shield, Wang Yan remained unfazed. Chthon using more magic was advantageous to him; it meant he could learn more spells.
"Chthon, stop with the talk and show me what else you've got!" Wang Yan taunted, eager for Chthon to use his magic so he could study it.
Chthon's face darkened. How dare this mere human rush him? Did he genuinely think he had the upper hand?
"You're courting death!" Chthon hissed.
As Wang Yan watched, he saw a flash of red light in Chthon's eyes, feeling a sudden sense of danger. Even his hair stood on end.
Suddenly, a small, almost invisible energy beam pierced his shield, narrowly missing him and exiting through the other side before the shield quickly repaired itself. Had he not moved slightly, he might have been severely injured.
"Who would have thought a god like you would resort to sneak attacks!" Wang Yan exclaimed, surprised by Chthon's tactics.
Chthon, a god of dark magic, sneaking up on a human was unthinkable. "You, a mere human, can withstand my attacks, which is impressive enough!" Chthon retorted. He no longer viewed Wang Yan as a mere human but as an equal adversary.
As a god of dark magic, Chthon was not above such tactics. Stealth and deception were his nature, much like Loki, the god of mischief.
Wang Yan regarded Chthon more seriously now. This god would do anything to win, making him a dangerous opponent. Suddenly, Wang Yan felt another surge of danger. His shield was breached again, and another beam shot past where he had been standing, narrowly missing him. The shield repaired itself instantly as if nothing had happened.
"Surprising, you dodged my attack again. But how long can you keep this up?" Chthon taunted. He believed he controlled this space, and defeating an opponent here should be simple.
Wang Yan realized he needed to take the offensive. Defense alone would not suffice. He gathered his magical energy, constructing a massive fist in the void and launching it at Chthon.
Chthon, intending to continue his assault, was surprised by Wang Yan's sudden attack. Nonetheless, he enveloped himself in dark energy and countered with a punch of his own. Chthon's divine status granted him immense physical power despite being a dark magic user.
The clash of their attacks caused a massive shockwave reverberating through the universe. S.W.O.R.D.'s base shook violently, alarms blaring, sparks flying, and agents crouching in fear of an imminent collapse. Only Nick Fury remained standing, watching the unfolding battle.
With a loud crack, Wang Yan's magical fist shattered into golden shards, scattering across the cosmos.
"Master Wang Yan!" Nick Fury exclaimed in concern.
Chthon, pleased with himself, thought he had overestimated Wang Yan. However, Wang Yan, standing afar, seemed unfazed. Electrical arcs danced on his fingers, and the scattered golden shards began to spark with lightning, forming a massive net that trapped Chthon.
Chthon's earlier smile vanished as the net closed in, electrocuting him. He hadn't expected such a hidden tactic within Wang Yan's apparent attack. The black-gold lightning crackled, emitting black smoke as it corroded Chthon's form.
Although Chthon's immense power allowed him to resist and eventually neutralize the attack, he couldn't deny the damage it caused. "You can merge the power of Annihilation with your other magic!" Chthon exclaimed, his form repairing rapidly.
"Though I am the god of dark magic, it won't be easy for you to defeat me with simple tricks!" Chthon declared, his form becoming more formidable as he absorbed more dark energy from the universe.