Chapter 96 - God Speed

(Marvel, DC, images, manhuas, and every anime that will be mentioned and used in this story are not mine. They all belong to their respective owners. The main character "Karito/Adriel Josue Valdez" and the story are mine)Ace Pov I landed on the rickety docks, my boots hitting the wood with a hollow thud. The sea breeze carried a smell that was all too familiar—brine and rot mixed with something far more sinister. The air felt thick, almost suffocating, with a heat that wasn't natural to the ocean's edge. Flames flickered in the distance, casting an eerie orange glow over the murky waters and shadowed cliffs.As I looked around, the first thing that hit me was the atmosphere—a mix of decay and defiance. Bilgewater had always been a lawless place from what I'd heard, but now it looked... haunted. The buildings were clustered haphazardly along the cliffs, connected by creaky bridges and rope lines, barely held together by bolts and planks. I could see flickers of movement, shadows that didn't look human, dancing in the firelight—Shinra's infernals, no doubt. Saber told me of these creatures, demons fueled by rage and fire, burning up from the inside. But now, seeing them in the flesh—or whatever's left of it—was something else entirely.Up ahead, the towering cliffs wrapped around the city like giant claws, making Bilgewater look like a fortress carved out of darkness itself. Waterfalls poured from cracks in the rocks, but even the water had taken on a sickly, shimmering glow, reflecting the embers of destruction that spread through the city. Shinra's influence was everywhere—whatever this place used to be, he'd transformed it into a hellish domain that seemed almost alive with fire.I could see boats scattered around the harbor, half-sunken and charred. The remaining ships rocked gently, their masts like skeletal fingers reaching into the smoky sky, as if they too were trying to escape the nightmare that Bilgewater had become. And the heat... damn, it was intense. Even for someone like me, who could handle fire, it felt like stepping near the sun.Every so often, I'd spot an infernal patrolling, their bodies wreathed in flames, like living torches casting twisted shadows. They were prowling along the edges, scouring the docks, and leaving scorch marks on whatever they touched. I clenched my fists, flames sparking at my knuckles as I prepared myself. Shinra had brought his demons here, but if he thought his fire would be enough to intimidate me, he was in for a rude awakening.I took a slow breath, trying to get a sense of the layout, the placement of enemies, and any possible traps. The Guardian told me to be very careful when I get here, but I get why he told me that as I stand here... it felt like walking into the mouth of a beast. The whole place had a pulse, a heat that was almost alive, like the infernals weren't just here—they were part of the city now.As I made my way deeper onto the docks, the planks creaked beneath me, adding to the unsettling silence between the crackling flames. Shadows shifted in the narrow alleys, eyes watched from broken windows, and somewhere far off, a scream echoed and then abruptly cut off. Shinra's grip on this place was like a chokehold, squeezing out every last bit of life.I can already tell this is going to be troublesome. Just in case, I'll have Peter on speed dial in case I need backup. Looking around, I'm starting to think that might eventually be necessary, but I'll save it as a last resort.The narrow, rickety staircase groaned beneath my weight with each step, like the entire structure was just waiting for an excuse to collapse. Shadows hung thick in the air, lingering in every corner, watching... or maybe that was just my nerves acting up. This place was eerie enough without the feeling that I was being observed at every turn. I could almost feel their eyes on me—silent, empty, and unsettling.As I climbed higher, the sounds of distant, echoing voices drifted through the tight alleyways, like whispers from a world halfway between reality and nightmare. I passed rows of crooked buildings, their facades dark and broken, with flickering lights illuminating the faces of the infernals lingering around. They were everywhere—shambling, muttering to themselves, occasionally turning to glance at me with dead, hollow eyes. And yet... none of them moved to attack. They just watched, like twisted shadows waiting for a cue.Some of them even muttered things, half-formed phrases, words I could barely catch. "Flesh... fire...," one of them whispered, its voice layered, warped like two voices speaking in unison—a raspy, demonic echo. Another one's head tilted, murmuring something about "the burning sun" before it wandered off, leaving behind a trail of smoke.I reached a ledge that connected to another stairwell leading upward, and from there, I had a view of the whole street below. Fires burned in places that had no need for flames, licking at the edges of buildings and casting grotesque shadows. More infernals stumbled through the streets, some crawling, others shambling, each one an unnatural mockery of life. The smell was thick—smoke, sulfur, and something else, something rancid that made my stomach twist.There was no sign of life here. It was as if the entire city had been hollowed out, and only these creatures remained, aimlessly moving, like puppets bound to an unseen master's strings.As I continued upward, I noticed murals on the walls, barely visible through the grime and soot. Faded paintings, scenes from what this place used to be—a vibrant, if dangerous, port town. Smiling faces, fishermen pulling in their catch, merchants trading goods. But now, those images were smeared, half-burned, and warped by soot and decay. The only things left smiling were the skulls on the wall carvings.Another scream echoed, sharper this time, closer. My fists clenched instinctively, flames flickering at my knuckles as I braced myself. This place was too quiet, too unnatural, and it was starting to feel like some kind of twisted stage set up just for me.I could hear footsteps—several of them, shuffling, dragging against the wooden floorboards ahead. Shadows moved on the walls as I reached the top of the staircase, revealing a narrow alleyway lined with half-collapsed buildings. Some infernals were gathered there, their faces turned toward a dimly lit doorway, watching intently as if waiting for something... or someone.Whatever lay beyond that door, I had the feeling it wasn't going to be friendly.As I moved closer and stepped inside, the infernals took notice of my presence. They shifted aside, leaving an open path for me. This put me even more on edge, but I managed to keep my composure. I walked through the crowd; they just stared, parting further as I passed. After a few steps, I reached the center and saw Shinra's back. Around him, eight infernals knelt, breathing heavily."Oh... look who we have here," Shinra spoke without turning to face me. "The Flame Guardian. How nice to see another pyrokinetic."I was silent for a moment, looking at the kneeling infernals. "Are those the champions of this region?" I asked."Yes," he confirmed. "I just turned them into infernals. They'll live, with their souls burning for eternity. That's what it means to be turned by me," Shinra said, slightly tilting his head so I could see the corner of his twisted smile—a demonic smile."You're sick," I said, a hint of anger slipping into my voice. "What did these people do to deserve burning alive for all eternity?""Nothing," he shrugged. "They just pissed me off.""What?" I couldn't believe what I was hearing."They wouldn't stop insulting me... so I made them suffer," he stated, his voice flat and emotionless."So you're just insane. That's what I'm getting from this," I taunted."Insane? Well, maybe. But it gets so tiresome... I used to want to be a hero. But I'm much better as a Devil, right?" he said, turning to face me. His eyes were black and red, and his smile stretched unnaturally wide, ear to ear. It was disturbing to watch, to say the least."What the hell are you smiling at?" I asked, disgusted."I can't help it, I just can't stop smiling... HAHAHAHA!!!" He clutched his face, laughing hysterically.He's a complete maniac. Just what the hell happened to him to end up like this?"Ahhh..." Shinra sighed, a sinister calmness in his voice. "Oh, I almost forgot." He pierced through space itself, his hand reaching into a shimmering tear and pulling at something unseen.What the hell? Does he have some sort of pocket dimension where he keeps his things?And then, as if on cue, he pulled someone out of the tear he created. My body froze, my eyes widening in shock.It was Miss Fortune. Her body was covered in burn marks, her expression utterly exhausted. Her eyes were red, as if she'd been crying for hours. She wasn't the same woman I knew in that other dimension...But I couldn't help but feel attached. She might not know who I am, but I have memories of us laughing together. Because of her—and Kai'Sa—I was able to feel happiness again after being brought to the brink of despair by that damn lizard...I just wonder how the other Sarah is doing."What do you think you're doing?" I demanded, my tone sharp and hostile."Oh? Touched a nerve, didn't I?" Shinra snickered, still gripping Sarah."Drop her, and I'll make your death painless. If you don't..." My flames roared to life, crackling more intensely around my arms. "You know exactly what's going to happen.""Nothing I haven't heard before," he said with a shrug, as if my threats were nothing new."You mother—!" My Observation Haki flared, and in an instant, I rocketed toward Shinra, aiming a flying knee at his face. But he used his flames to propel himself out of the way, dodging at the last second.I snatched Miss Fortune from his grasp, holding her protectively in my arms. Her body was light, and she felt fragile in my embrace."Sarah, are you okay?" I asked, my voice filled with concern.Her tired eyes fluttered open, her gaze hazy as she tried to focus on me. "How do you..." she paused, her voice raspy, "I-I'm fine... thank you." She seemed like she wanted to ask how I knew her name, but after everything she'd been through, she didn't bother.Quickly, I activated the party chat and sent a message: "Guardian, I need you to put a barrier for Sarah Fortune." The Guardian replied instantly with a telepathic message in my head.I turned to see a portal open behind me, and The Guardian stepped through, pulling Sarah from my arms and into his. He quickly went through his portal and left."I figured taking her with me was better than leaving her with you," The Guardian stated, his tone calm through the telepathic link."That's true... I forgot you could do that," I muttered, facepalming."Be careful with Shinra. He's fast—and he can go even faster," The Guardian warned me."I know. Saber already told me," I replied, noticing a barrier forming around my body. Looks like The Guardian buffed my defenses. Good to know.A second voice entered the link—Peter. "Ace, if you need help, call me. I can be there quickly with my speedster suit.""The speedster one?" I asked."Yes," he confirmed."Alright, I'll let you know if I need it," I said, preparing myself for what was to come."I'll be there the instant you call," Peter assured me before disconnecting.The Guardian spoke again, his voice steady in my mind. "Focus on Shinra for now. Sarah is safe with me.""Alright, thanks," I replied."Don't mention it," he said, cutting the link.I turned to face Shinra, who was watching me with a twisted smile, his amusement evident. "Did you just have a telepathic conversation that lasted a picosecond?"I hadn't even realized how fast my perception had become. Is Peter this quick, too? Guardians really do evolve faster than any being, huh?"So it seems," I replied, clenching my fists. "Worried I might outpace you?""I don't really care about that," he shrugged. "I just know this is going to be fun," he said, his devilish grin stretching even wider.The infernals surrounding us didn't move, acting more like spectators than participants. Their glowing eyes followed our every move, but they stayed eerily still.Shinra stared straight into my soul. Our eyes locked, the tension building. His feet ignited in flames as my body responded in kind, fire surrounding me.And then—!!!He moved. He moved so fast I barely dodged his flying kick aimed directly at my face. If it weren't for my Observation Haki, he would've sent me through a mountain. His flames... there was something different about them. They felt otherworldly, like they didn't belong to this dimension.But my train of thought was interrupted when Shinra used his flames to change direction mid-air. He delivered a back-spinning kick, and I managed to block it, retaliating with a flaming uppercut. He countered by stepping on my fist, using its momentum to spin and deliver a devastating kick to my jaw. The impact sent me spinning into the air.Before I could react, Shinra positioned himself in front of me mid-flight. He placed both feet against my chest and unleashed a cannon-like blast of flames, sending me crashing through a nearby house.Okay... now I understand why the others warned me about his speed. He's fast—stupidly fast—and his agility is insane. Just as Saber and The Guardian said, he relies heavily on his feet for combat.That kick was definitely going to leave a mark if it wasn't for the Guardian's barrier."Didn't see that coming, did ya?" Shinra laughed, his voice full of mockery."I knew you were fast, but this is just ridiculous," I said, pushing the wooden debris off my body.I'm going to have to step it up a notch if I want to match him—and, if possible, avoid making him transform. If he does, I'll have no choice but to call Peter.My flames crackled as they darkened, taking on the form of Dark Matter."Oh ho~, already?" Shinra mocked, his tone dripping with anticipation."Gonna have to fight you at light speed, so..." I ignited myself, my flames forming constellations around my body like a galaxy come to life."Let's fight at the speed of light."No PovJust as Ace finished speaking, he vanished from sight. Shinra's eyes darted rapidly, following Ace's movements, and he instinctively raised his arms to block an incoming superman punch. His eyes widened in alarm as he noticed a red, spherical energy ball glowing ominously in Ace's palm."Is that a—red sun?!" Shinra managed to mutter before the attack connected. The sheer force of the impact sent him skidding backward, his arms braced against the overwhelming power as Ace forcefully drove the miniature red sun into him.Just as Shinra's feet dug into the ground to brace himself, it was too late. The compressed red sphere in Ace's hand expanded violently upon impact, engulfing Shinra in an immense burst of heat and energy. The sheer force of the explosion didn't just push Shinra back—it tore through the landscape itself.The ground beneath them gave way, fracturing like shattered glass as waves of seismic energy rippled outward. Entire sections of Bilgewater were uprooted, buildings splintering and collapsing as the sheer intensity of the energy ripped through the terrain. The sky turned crimson, a fiery aurora spiraling around the epicenter of the attack as if the very heavens were protesting the unleashed fury.Ace's attack didn't stop there. The shockwave traveled outward, slicing clean through the ocean like a divine blade. From the docks of Bilgewater to the distant horizon, a monumental trench was carved into the sea itself, splitting the waters apart as towering walls of displaced ocean rose on either side. The air itself seemed to ignite, an oppressive heatwave spreading across the region as the sheer magnitude of the energy burned into the atmosphere.(Visual Example of what Ace did, kind of.)Shinra, though enveloped in the inferno, managed to stabilize himself with a sudden burst of flames, his feet skidding across the crumbling ground as he absorbed much of the attack. But even he couldn't hide the strain; his arms, which had shielded him from the brunt of the blast, were visibly scorched, and his breath came in ragged gasps.Ace stood at the center of the devastation, his body glowing with residual energy as flames danced around him. His expression was sharp, focused, and deadly serious. Shinra looked up from the debris, his devilish grin faltering for the first time. "What the hell was that?" he muttered, his tone laced with genuine disbelief. He glanced at his arms, flexing his fingers as though to reassure himself they were still intact. "You just tore the earth apart like it was paper. Are you trying to blow up the planet, or are you just showing off?"Ace tilted his head, his dark flames still crackling ominously around him. "That was a warm-up," he replied, his voice calm but with an edge that cut through the chaos. "You don't get to destroy lives and laugh about it without feeling the consequences."Shinra wiped his face, his grin returning—this time more forced, more controlled. "Heh... not bad, Flame Guardian. But if that's your idea of a warm-up..." He ignited his feet, his flames roaring to life with renewed intensity. "Then let's see how you handle the real devil."Shinra placed his thumb at the base of his palm, holding his index finger down against it. Suddenly, like a bolt of thunder, Shinra propelled himself toward Ace with incredible speed. But strangely, Ace couldn't sense the attack."You wanna fight fast?! You can see the future with your Haki?! That's easy! I just have to move faster than you can react! I JUST HAVE TO MOVE SO FAST THAT THE FUTURE CAN'T SEE ME!"And then... he disappeared. Like the flicker of a television shutting down, Shinra was gone. Ace flinched, instinctively scanning the battlefield, his eyes darting frantically in every direction. His Observation Haki was screaming, but no matter how hard he tried to sense his opponent, Shinra was nowhere to be found.It was as if he had been erased from the dimension itself."What the hell did he just do...? Where IS he?" Ace muttered, his mind racing to make sense of the sudden void. But before he could process anything further, an ungodly force collided with the side of his stomach. It was as if he had just been hit by a jet traveling at full speed."NOOOOOOOON!!!" Shinra screamed, his feet slamming into Ace's ribs. The impact sent Ace hurtling like a cannonball, crashing through dozens of houses, wooden walls splintering and boulders crumbling in his wake. He smashed through everything like an uncontrollable wrecking ball, bouncing across the water's surface several times before finally colliding with a mountain. His body embedded itself deep into the stone, cracks radiating outwards from the impact.Ace gasped for air, his lungs completely empty. Every breath felt like agony, and he struggled just to stay conscious. But there was no time to recover. Shinra, moving with teleport-like speed, appeared in a flash, spinning like a fiery wheel. His heel crashed into Ace's left cheek with devastating force.(Visual example for Shinra's Attack)"T-This speed is too much—" Ace began, his voice choked by pain. Shinra's kick caused a flaming shockwave to erupt from the other side of Ace's body, sending him careening into yet another house. Shinra didn't relent. He zigzagged through the air, closing the distance in an instant, and delivered an upward kick to Ace's stomach. The blow launched Ace through another series of buildings, his body bouncing off a cliffside before embedding itself into the rock once more."More..." Ace groaned, his voice barely audible. Then, with a surge of desperation, he screamed at the top of his lungs, "I NEED MORE SPEED!"Reality itself twisted as Ace manipulated space with sheer force of will, creating a miniature black hole to alter Shinra's trajectory."Oh shit—!" Shinra cursed as he crashed headfirst into a mountain, his momentum carrying him straight through to the other side. Stumbling out of the debris, Shinra snarled, "Bastard! He bent space with a miniature black hole!""There you are," Ace's voice rang out, and suddenly, he appeared above Shinra like a specter."!!!" Shinra spun around, but he was too late. Ace delivered a flaming kick, slamming Shinra into the ocean below.Ace followed immediately, diving into the waters. With a wave of his arms, he parted the ocean itself, creating a massive clearing dozens of feet wide. At the bottom of the trench, Shinra stood waiting. Their eyes met, and without hesitation, Shinra rocketed upward, delivering a flying knee. Ace dodged, countering with a back-spinning fist. But Shinra twisted his body midair, narrowly evading the strike as Ace's punch shot past him.The sheer force of the missed attack sliced a distant mountain cleanly in two.Shinra retaliated with a 360-degree kick to Ace's shoulder, making him grit his teeth as the force of the blow nearly buckled him. But Ace grabbed Shinra's leg, yanking him forward while forming a miniature Gamma Ray Burst energy blast at point-blank range."Heheheh..." Shinra snickered, his grin widening as he shifted his hand signs into a rock-and-roll gesture. His flames ignited crimson, intensifying as he formed his own concentrated blast with his free leg. The two devastating energies collided, their power shaking the battlefield to its core. The air itself rippled violently, creating a deafening roar that drowned out all other sound. In the instant their attacks met, a radiant sphere of pure energy erupted at the epicenter, blindingly white and expanding outward at an alarming rate.The sheer force of the explosion ripped apart the surrounding terrain, leveling every structure within a vast radius. Buildings crumbled like sandcastles, and the earth itself fractured under the immense pressure. Shockwaves tore through the region and beyond, shattering windows miles away and sending debris hurtling like bullets in every direction.A dome of incandescent light engulfed the battlefield, its edges jagged and chaotic. The ground beneath them cratered deeply, massive chunks of stone and rubble being vaporized in an instant. Flames and embers swirled chaotically within the explosion, mingling with streaks of crimson and black energy that arced through the air like lightning.As the dome reached its peak, it sent out a final, cataclysmic wave of energy, carving a scar across the horizon. The sheer magnitude of destruction left nothing untouched, the blast leaving an enormous, smoldering crater at its center, its edges glowing with molten rock.For a moment, there was silence—an eerie calm that followed the overwhelming chaos. Smoke and dust began to rise, blanketing the area in a thick, suffocating haze. Only the faint crackling of flames and the echo of the explosion remained."Ngh..." Shinra grunted in pain as he dragged himself onto the shore, his gaze falling to his burned chest. The charred skin, marked with severe third-degree burns, made him wince. "That looks worse than I thought," he muttered to himself, standing up shakily. Blood trickled from his nose, and he wiped it away with the back of his hand."Bending space... that's gonna be annoying," he sighed, glancing down at his scorched torso. "Just how versatile are those Cosmic Flames of his? If it weren't for my Dark Flames coming from higher planes of existence, I'd actually be in trouble right now. The Adolla Burst... it got severely buffed when I became a Dark. Lucky me," he added with a faint smirk. "Ace managed to hurt me pretty badly, though."He spat a mouthful of blood onto the ground, his expression hardening. "Darks and Guardians really don't play by the rules, huh? We just defy the story outright, breaking everything written about us. And the more we shatter our character settings, the stronger we get." He sighed heavily, frustration evident in his tone. "How troublesome... I still remember meeting one of those H.P. Lovecraft characters. And I never want to see Cthulhu again."Shinra seemed oddly calm, as if patiently waiting for Ace. His casual monologue gave the impression that this was all routine for him. But the sound of coughing from the shoreline drew his attention."Ahh... fuck..." Ace muttered as he crawled onto the shore. He glanced down at his right arm, now covered in third-degree burns. "Just great," he growled, staggering to his feet. He wobbled unsteadily but managed to keep his balance, though blood dripped from his mouth as he slouched over, breathing heavily. "Ugh...""Oh, trust me," Shinra called out, his voice tinged with mockery, "I know it hurts like a bitch." He gestured to his own injuries. "You almost pierced my chest, heh," he added with a chuckle, flashing his signature devilish grin."Fuck you..." Ace spat tiredly. "Why didn't you just die?""Man, I ain't gonna die so quick. Where's the fun in that?" Shinra replied casually, rolling his shoulders as though this were just another day. He suddenly started stretching."The hell are you doing now...?" Ace asked, his breathing gradually returning to normal."Just transforming," Shinra said nonchalantly."Oh, okay..." Ace muttered absently before realizing what Shinra had just said. His eyes widened in alarm. "Wait—THE FUCK YOU ARE—!"Before Ace could finish, a deafening explosion of wind and fire erupted from Shinra, the sheer force pushing Ace back violently. He crashed into a boulder, barely digging his feet into the ground to stabilize himself. His heart sank as he looked up, witnessing the horrifying spectacle.A massive pillar of fire shot into the sky, its heat and pressure shaking the entire region. Ace shielded his face from the blazing inferno as he muttered under his breath, "Fuck... I've done it now..."As the fire began to part, Shinra emerged, his form fully transformed into the terrifying, godlike appearance of Banshō-Man.Shinra's transformation into Bansho-Man radiates an overwhelming and demonic presence, a far cry from his human form. His skin glows a deep, fiery red, etched with intricate, golden patterns that pulse like veins of molten lava. These glowing runes and markings seem almost alive, crawling across his body in mesmerizing, angular designs that exude otherworldly energy. They enhance the visual intensity of his form, making him appear as though he is a living furnace of boundless power.His hair has turned pure white, spiked and wild, as if burning from the intensity of his internal flames. It creates a stark contrast to his glowing red complexion. His eyes glow with an ominous light—white irises surrounded by black sclera—giving him an unyielding, predatory glare that pierces through anyone who dares meet his gaze.Shinra's musculature is emphasized in this form, his lean and defined build now exuding raw strength. His hands, glowing with the same fiery energy, are clenched into fists, radiating heat and power. His arms and chest appear carved and reinforced by the fiery inscriptions, their brightness intensifying with his movements.His lower attire is a stark black, simple and flowing, creating a visual balance against the chaotic glow of his upper body. Flames lick at the edges of his form, adding an unpredictable, flickering aura around him. Surrounding him are tendrils of dark energy and ghostly flame-like shadows, further amplifying his fearsome and divine-demonic presence.He's untamed, overwhelming, and terrifyingly powerful.(Shinra Banshō-Man form)Shinra stared at Ace with a menacing intensity, as if piercing into the depths of his soul. The pirate breathed heavily, a bead of blood rolling down his brow. Shinra's gaze made the very air around them feel thin, suffocating, and hard to breathe."Well..." Shinra's voice changed, reverberating with a dual tone as if an angel and a demon were speaking simultaneously. It echoed across the battlefield like a haunting symphony. "You said your reaction time was in the picoseconds, right?"Ace stayed silent, his body tense as he focused entirely on his Observation Haki, enhancing it with his Cosmic Flames."Let's see if we can upgrade that," Shinra concluded, and in an instant...For Shinra, the world froze.The entire universe itself seemed to halt in motion. But no, time had not stopped—Shinra's movements were simply so incomprehensibly fast that everything around him appeared frozen. The flow of time trudged on, but compared to Shinra's velocity, it might as well have been a still photograph."Now... just a little tap on the cheek," Shinra murmured, though no sound escaped his lips. Sound waves themselves were far too slow to keep up. Each of his steps forward, if visible, would have appeared at an excruciatingly slow crawl in real time.When Shinra finally reached Ace, he carefully lifted his hand and placed it against Ace's face before delivering a seemingly casual slap. And then, just as suddenly, Shinra returned to his normal speed.All this was done in under 0.000000000000001 seconds.The slap's impact unleashed a shockwave of unimaginable magnitude, rivaling an asteroid strike against the planet's surface. The force split the ocean around Bilgewater into colossal walls of water, leaving one half of the ocean floor exposed. The deafening boom echoed across Runeterra, shaking the entire planet like a clap of thunder from the heavens.Ace's head twisted violently as his face contorted in slow motion. Blood gushed from his eyes, nose, and mouth, and though the Guardian's barrier managed to prevent his skin from being torn apart completely, the force left his body badly battered. A red, searing handprint burned into the side of Ace's face, evidence of Shinra's devastating attack.The Flame Guardian rocketed out of the region in a blink, his body skipping across the ocean's surface like a ragdoll thrown by a god. He collided with everything in his path, smashing through buildings, continents, and mountains, leaving devastation in his wake. The momentum carried Ace's body in a full circle around Runeterra, sending him crashing back toward Bilgewater. His limp form skimmed the water once more, still radiating incomprehensible environmental destruction."There he is," Shinra smirked, casually stretching as he ignited flames along his foot in anticipation. His grin widened as Ace's broken body hurtled closer, helpless and unresponsive.Ace's mouth hung open, his eyes rolled back, and his limbs dangled lifelessly as he neared Shinra's waiting kick. He was utterly defenseless."I'm going to die..." was the only thought Ace could muster, the pain and exhaustion clouding his mind.As Shinra swung his flaming foot to deliver the final blow, he grinned devilishly. "It was fun while it lasted, Flame Guardian."The fiery kick was mere inches from connecting when—It stopped."That was too close," a third voice cut through the chaos. "You almost died on me, man."Shinra's eyes widened. "Spider-Boy?!""Nah," Peter quipped, tightening his grip on Shinra's leg. "Spider-Man to you." With a swift motion, Spider-Man yanked Shinra off balance and slammed him into the ground with enough force to crater the entire beach, uprooting mountains from the ocean floor.Before Shinra could recover, Peter grabbed Ace and leaped back, gaining distance. "Jesus, man, this is worse than it looks. You're really lucky I made it before he decapitated you with that kick." Peter smashed a glowing vial of healing potion onto Ace's battered body, the liquid sizzling as Ace's wounds began to close.Ace's vision cleared, and he groggily recognized Peter—but something was different. "Peter...? Your suit..." he managed to croak, awe clear in his voice.Peter chuckled, striking a confident pose despite the situation. "Like it? I'm a speedster with this on. I call it the Velocity Suit."The suit was sleek and futuristic, a masterwork of cutting-edge design. The deep, glossy crimson base was accentuated by glowing neon-blue angular patterns that traced his chest, arms, and legs like vibrant veins of energy. A glowing cyan spider emblem pulsed faintly at the center of his chest, radiating an almost lifelike energy.The suit's material appeared both lightweight and impossibly durable, a blend of advanced polymers and liquid-narralith designed to endure extreme speeds and impacts. Every surface was aerodynamic and perfectly contoured to Peter's frame, minimizing resistance as he moved.The mask's crimson surface blended seamlessly with the rest of the suit, its sharp, glowing blue lenses giving Peter an intimidatingly futuristic look. Subtle armor plating along the shoulders, arms, and legs provided additional protection without sacrificing his mobility."Streamlined for maximum speed and reinforced for durability," Peter explained with a grin, tapping the glowing emblem on his chest. "This baby's as fast as it looks—and trust me, it's got a few tricks up its sleeves."Peter's confident demeanor offered Ace a shred of hope as he steadied himself. But in the background, Shinra began to stir, flames igniting once more as he rose from the crater."Well, looks like the party's just getting started," Peter quipped, his voice dropping into a determined tone.Ace smirked weakly, his own flames reigniting as he steadied his stance. "Before you go, though, I have to give you a bit of a boost. This suit is powered by the Speed Force formula I created while I was in the Nexus. That's why the core of this suit crackles with blue lightning," Peter explained, tapping the glowing emblem on his chest. "So, if I want you to catch up with Shinra, I'll have to share it with you. Now... 3x2(9YZ)4A=?"Suddenly, a surge of power engulfed Ace, his muscles tensing as blue lightning erupted around him. Peter had gifted Ace the power of the Speed Force. The pirate smirked, watching as the lightning intertwined with his Cosmic Flames, swirling together like an electrified twister."Yeah, thanks, Spider. With this, he won't catch me off guard," Ace said, grinning at his comrade."No problem," Peter replied, his suit reverting to a sleeker version. "I'll stay nearby—you've got this.""With this new power? Definitely," Ace said confidently.A voice interrupted them. "Are you two done chatting?" Shinra appeared between them, his presence suffocating. "Do I have to fight both of you?""Nah," Peter answered calmly. "Ace is more than enough for you."Shinra smirked, his crimson aura flaring with ominous intensity. "Well, aren't you confident?" His eyes gleamed dangerously. "Let's see if that statement holds up."Without another word, Peter leaped backward, firing two webs in opposite directions and slingshotting himself toward a nearby mountain to observe the battle from a distance."Round two?" Ace asked, stepping forward."Let's do it," Shinra said with a devilish grin.The tension in the air was palpable as both fighters squared off, standing motionless for a moment that seemed to stretch into eternity.Shinra made the first move. Blue lightning tangled with Cosmic Flames as Ace's power surged, creating a kaleidoscope of light and heat. The energy around him sharpened his perception. For the first time, he could see Shinra's movements clearly, even as the latter moved at incomprehensible speed."The good thing is, I'm as fast as Shinra now," Ace thought, watching Shinra's every move. "I'm standing still in time."Suddenly, everything around him turned white. Black dots swirled past him as if he'd entered an endless void. "You made it into my world," Shinra said, his voice carrying an unearthly resonance. "We're locked between the ticks of a second. In a place where... we are immortal."Ace snorted, flames crackling from his shoulders. "Immortal? Please. Get off your high horse before I knock you off it.""You're welcome to try," Shinra replied, his tone dripping with confidence. "But don't hold back—I want to see those fancy new powers of yours in full force.""Let's race, then," Ace declared before exploding forward in a fiery streak of gold and blue.Shinra turned sharply and darted ahead, flames blazing from his feet as the chase began. The landscape of Runeterra blurred into streaks of color as the two speedsters tore through the battlefield, each step a thunderclap of power. Ace's Cosmic Flames left radiant trails of starlight in his wake, while Shinra's Adolla-enhanced speed warped reality, bending the very fabric of existence into fiery vortexes.Ace surged forward, closing the gap. His quasar flared in his hand as he swung, aiming for Shinra's back. But Shinra flickered, his body bending out of existence for a split second before reappearing several feet away. Ace's punch collided with empty air, sending shockwaves that flattened what remained of Bilgewater's ruins."You'll have to do better than that," Shinra mocked, his crimson aura blazing brighter. He zipped behind Ace, aiming a flying kick at the pirate's head.Ace twisted mid-air, catching Shinra's foot with one hand while his other fist erupted in a star-like explosion. The impact knocked Shinra back, sending him careening into the ocean below. The water parted violently as Shinra's body collided with the surface, leaving a massive trench in its wake.Hovering above the chaos, Ace watched Shinra rise from the depths, steam rising from his body. "That all you've got?" Ace asked, his voice tinged with flames.Shinra wiped the water from his face, his grin widening. "Haha! That's it, Ace! Show me more! MORE!"With a sudden burst, Shinra shot upward, the air igniting as he ascended like a rocket. He reappeared in front of Ace in an instant, his fist glowing with Adolla flames. Ace barely raised his arms in time to block the punch, but the sheer force of the impact sent him hurtling backward.Ace tumbled through the sky, regaining his balance with a burst of Speed Force energy. His body flickered as he darted back toward Shinra, re-engaging at breakneck speed. The two clashed mid-air, exchanging a flurry of punches and kicks. Each strike created fiery shockwaves that rippled across the sky, shaking the very atmosphere."You're getting slow!" Shinra taunted, dodging a flaming kick and countering with a spinning backfist. His punch connected with Ace's jaw, sending the pirate spiraling downward. Ace crashed into the ruins of Bilgewater, cratering the ground beneath him.Groaning, Ace pushed himself up, wiping blood from his lip. "Slow?! I'll show you slow!!!" he muttered, flames igniting around his body. He disappeared in a flash of light, reappearing behind Shinra with a blazing roundhouse kick. The attack connected, sending Shinra flying across the battlefield.Shinra flipped mid-air, landing gracefully on a broken tower. He looked down at Ace, his grin unshaken. "Not bad. But let's take this up a notch."The air around Shinra distorted as his Adolla Burst flared to new heights. Flames spiraled around him, forming fiery wings that radiated pure destruction. He raised his hand, summoning a crimson star above his head. The star pulsed with energy, growing brighter and larger with each passing second.Ace's eyes narrowed as he prepared his own counter. He clenched his fists, channeling the Cosmic Flame into his hands. The energy coalesced into two fiery orbs, crackling with the power of a thousand suns."Let's end this!" Shinra roared, hurling the star toward Ace.Ace launched himself forward, his flaming fists colliding with the star mid-air. The resulting explosion lit up the entire battlefield, a blinding flash of light followed by a deafening shockwave. The force of the blast leveled what remained of Bilgewater, reducing buildings to rubble and splitting the ocean in two.When the dust settled, both combatants emerged from the chaos, their auras burning brighter than ever."You're tougher than I thought," Shinra admitted, his tone almost respectful."Right back at you," Ace replied, his body sparking with renewed energy.The two speedsters charged at each other again, their movements creating streaks of light that crisscrossed the battlefield. Each punch and kick sent shockwaves rippling across the landscape, leaving craters and fissures in their wake.Finally, the two combatants reappeared on the shores of Bilgewater, their bodies battered but unbroken. They stood across from each other, their auras flickering like dying flames."This is it," Shinra said, his voice tinged with excitement. "The final round."Ace nodded, his fists igniting with the combined power of the Speed Force and Cosmic Flame. "Let's finish this."Both fighters soared high into the sky, their fists clashing with such force that thunderous shockwaves reverberated across the entire region, scattering nearby clouds like dust. In less than a second, they broke through the atmosphere, reaching the edges of orbit. Ace unleashed a barrage of flaming stars, each one glowing with the intensity of a newborn sun, hurling them toward Shinra.Shinra weaved through the vacuum of space, his body moving with impossible agility as he effortlessly outpaced the stars chasing him like guided missiles. The stars detonated in brilliant supernovae light-years away, creating cascades of radiant energy that illuminated distant galaxies.Shinra finally stopped, hovering in the void, his figure now hundreds of light-years away from Runeterra. He turned to face Ace, a smirk tugging at his lips as crimson flames flared around him."Alright... one final attack," Shinra muttered to himself, his voice carrying through the emptiness as if the cosmos itself were listening. He channeled every ounce of power into his right foot, twisting the very fabric of space around him. The energy he gathered distorted the stars nearby, their light bending unnaturally under the weight of his Adolla flames.Meanwhile, on the other side of the galaxy, Ace stood frozen for a moment, a bead of sweat dripping down his brow. He nervously activated the telepathic link to The Guardian. "Uhhh... do you see what's happening on the other side of the galaxy?" he asked, his voice tinged with worry.A frustrated voice exploded in his head. "Do you know how annoying it is to make it seem like NONE of what you just did actually happened?!" The Guardian yelled. "FUCK, he's gonna destroy the entire universe if you don't stop him. UGH!"Peter's voice joined the call, calm but urgent. "Ace, listen. You're going to have to match whatever power he's building. If he's going all out, so do you.""And the universe?" Ace asked hesitantly.The Guardian sighed deeply, his voice laced with exasperation. "I'll handle that.""You heard him," Peter said with a faint chuckle. "Don't worry. If you see everything turn white, that's just the universe exploding. But Mr. Karito's strong enough to compress your attacks and keep them from causing total annihilation."Ace blinked in disbelief. "And what are you going to do with the explosion?""Absorb it, duh," The Guardian replied, as though it were the most obvious thing in the world."You two are weirdly calm about the universe potentially being destroyed," Ace muttered, shaking his head."When you've dealt with this kind of thing enough times, you just figure out how to manage it," The Guardian said dryly. "Now stop wasting time and go all out. I'll deal with the aftermath.""Alright... here goes nothing," Ace mumbled, steeling himself.He clenched his right fist as Dark Matter began swirling around it, blue lightning crackling violently across his body. His flames roared to life, forming clusters of stars within the inferno, each one radiating cosmic energy. His figure glowed like a celestial god preparing to reshape the heavens themselves.Meanwhile, Shinra's flames intensified, wrapping him in a vortex of crimson energy that seemed to consume the surrounding void. He crouched into a runner's stance, his foot pressed against the very fabric of space. "Ready..." he muttered, his voice echoing with divine authority.Ace mirrored the pose, his right hand pulled back, flames and lightning spiraling wildly around him. Space bent and twisted behind him, as though reality itself was preparing to give way to his power. "Ready..." he murmured, his voice firm.Two stars, positioned at opposite ends of the galaxy, suddenly flared brighter than anything in the universe. They outshone every nearby celestial body, their radiant energy reaching a fever pitch as the two combatants prepared their final clash.Then, in unison, they moved.Both Ace and Shinra dashed forward at incomprehensible speeds—3.153 octillion times the speed of light. In just an attosecond, their forms collided in the vast void of space.As Ace and Shinra collided in their final clash, the universe trembled under the weight of their combined power. The point of impact, brighter than a thousand suns, unleashed an explosion of energy that rippled across the cosmos. The fabric of space tore open like fragile silk, creating rippling voids that expanded outward in every direction.  The shockwave traveled at unimaginable speeds, warping galaxies, distorting time, and shattering stars. Entire constellations blinked out of existence, swallowed by the energy storm born of the collision. Planets within the Laniakea Supercluster quaked and crumbled, their surfaces obliterated by the violent reverberations. At the heart of the explosion, the clash between Ace's cosmic flames and Shinra's Adolla Burst manifested as a supernova of impossible proportions. Waves of blinding light illuminated the void, casting intricate, web-like patterns of energy that danced across the supercluster. The universe screamed as gravitational forces pulled and twisted entire regions of space. The clash forced the stars themselves to bow in submission. The Hercules–Corona Borealis Great Wall flickered, its galaxies shuddering from the cascade of energy. Space itself appeared to splinter, fracturing into endless streams of light and shadow as the two fighters pushed their powers to the absolute limit. From the perspective of distant galaxies, the explosion resembled a blossoming flower of destruction—each petal a spiraling wave of light tearing through the cosmos. The impact zone became a singularity of energy, brighter than anything that had ever existed. The core of the explosion reached an intensity where light could no longer escape, creating an immense gravitational pull that devoured even the surrounding fabric of space-time. Ace's Cosmic Flame, swirling with galaxies and blue lightning, fought to overpower Shinra's crimson Adolla flames, which pulsed with the power of creation and destruction. Their energies clashed violently, forming an oscillating sphere of infinite chaos. At times, it seemed as if Shinra's flames would consume the cosmos, only for Ace's flames to erupt and push back with the fury of an exploding star.The oscillating sphere of chaos that contained the clash between Ace and Shinra reached its zenith. Time itself seemed to fracture, freezing and accelerating unpredictably, as though the universe couldn't decide whether to flee or stand still. Inside the fiery orb, Ace and Shinra roared, their voices blending into a sound that resonated across dimensions.Shinra's Adolla flames surged with divine might, twisting space like a whirlpool. The red tendrils of energy reached out, attempting to consume everything in their path. "Ace, you can't win this!" Shinra bellowed, his voice vibrating with the sheer power of his godlike form. "I am the embodiment of creation and destruction!"Ace, engulfed in his Cosmic Flame and crackling Speed Force energy, gritted his teeth, refusing to give in. "Creation? Destruction? I don't care what you think you are!" Ace shouted, his voice carrying the weight of galaxies. "I'll burn brighter than you!"With a guttural roar, Ace concentrated all of his Cosmic Flame into his fists, his body radiating with the brilliance of a living quasar. The stars swirling within his flames condensed, becoming miniature cosmic singularities orbiting him at impossible speeds. His Speed Force aura accelerated his every movement, allowing him to channel power beyond mortal comprehension.Shinra launched forward, his foot igniting with a red-hot inferno that burned reality itself. "ADOLLA BURST!" he roared, the attack warping the stars as he aimed for Ace's chest.Ace answered in kind. "INIFINITE MASS PUNCH!" he screamed, thrusting his fist forward. His cosmic energy condensed into a focused point, a burst of pure power rivaling infinity.The two attacks collided, creating an eruption that exceeded comprehension. The singularity formed by their clash swallowed light, matter, and time itself. A vast, web-like network of energy expanded outward, swallowing superclusters and scattering fragments of shattered dimensions across the void.SNAP!TZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZZ!!!!Everything was restored."Looks like the Spider-God had the same idea as you, Mr. Karito," Peter said over the telepathic link."Yeah, he beat me to it," The Guardian replied, his tone laced with mild annoyance."Did they go to the fourth dimension?" Peter asked curiously."They're probably in the layer of the Multiverse. Just as a precaution, follow them," The Guardian instructed."Understandable. I was just thinking the same," Peter said."Alright, go ahead. I've got a whole country to calm down now because of Ace's fight," The Guardian grumbled."Can you blame them?" Saber interjected, her voice cutting into the link with a calm yet sharp edge."Not really. Keeping this planet intact is enough of a pain. Heck, I didn't even know Anasis was going to intervene," The Guardian admitted with a sigh."It is a monumental task, I won't deny that," Saber added. "Though I had assumed he was preoccupied creating a layer higher than Boundless within an Omniverse."Peter's voice chimed back in, calm yet focused. "I'm heading into the Multiverse. Be right back.""Be careful," The Guardian warned, his voice softening."I will," Peter reassured.And just like that, Peter's body vibrated into high frequency, activating his Velocity Suit. Within a blink, he phased into the Multiverse, disappearing from the plane of existence.Layer Of The Infinite Complex MultiverseBoth Ace and Shinra found themselves suspended within the eye of the storm. Ace's fists burned with cosmic brilliance, while Shinra's body glowed with Adolla's unrelenting heat. Time slowed to a crawl, giving the two combatants a final moment to exchange words amidst their struggle."You're strong," Shinra admitted, his grin unwavering despite the cracks forming along his body, his Adolla energy visibly destabilizing. "Stronger than I expected."Ace smirked, his body trembling under the immense strain of his power. "And you're insane, but you gave me one hell of a fight," he replied, his tone carrying grudging respect. "But it's over."Shinra's smile faltered for the first time, and in that instant, Ace released everything. The Cosmic Flame surged forward like a universal tsunami, engulfing Shinra entirely. The Adolla flames tried to fight back, but they faltered under the unrelenting might of Ace's willpower and energy."But before that..." Shinra muttered, determination flickering in his eyes. "Will you be able to save the multiverse in your current state from what I'm about to do?"Ace's eyes widened as Shinra released a singular flame no larger than a pen.His body slowly turning to dust, Shinra prepared to launch his final attack. "I've turned this fire frictionless. It's outside the visual spectrum of light," he said with a devilish smile. "Do you think you have enough energy to chase something that is frictionless? And its target... is the multiverse itself.""NO!!" Ace screamed in horror as Shinra threw the singular beacon of flame, which disappeared from sight in an instant.It had already pierced a Hyperball that floated aimlessly in the multiverse.2... 30... 60... 200 Hyperballs were destroyed. 200 universes annihilated in under a quectosecond.And Ace hadn't even processed what was happening yet.But a red and blue blur raced past him, chasing after the frictionless flame."The flame is destroying all the universes that reside in the multiverse faster than anything I've ever seen. Infinite casualties already. Ace is too exhausted to chase after this, and he's just gotten the Speed Force. It's up to me. Mr. Karito is keeping the cosmology in place, the Spider-God hasn't intervened—probably still trying to break through the Boundless layer. I'm the only one who can catch this attack and stop it," Spider-Man spoke as he blitzed through the multiverse, chasing after the flame.Spider-Man's Velocity Suit vibrated violently as the Speed Force surged through him, pushing his body to its absolute limit. The multiverse blurred into streaks of light and shattered dimensions as he sprinted through layers of existence that most beings couldn't even comprehend."There it is," Spider-Man muttered, spotting the frictionless flame. It danced ahead of him, impossibly fast, weaving through collapsed realities and annihilated dimensions. It flickered in and out of visibility, a taunting specter of destruction."Just out of reach," Spider-Man thought, clenching his teeth. "Faster than I've ever gone before. Faster than I've ever imagined. But I'm not alone. Not anymore."The words echoed in his mind as he drew strength from the endless voices of those he was fighting to protect. The Velocity Suit pulsed with neon energy, its glowing circuits matching the rhythm of his racing heart. Each step sent shockwaves through the multiverse, rippling out in waves of power as he pushed harder and harder.The frictionless flame darted through the ruins of obliterated hyperrealities, cutting across collapsing layers of space-time. Entire universes blinked out as it passed, each annihilation echoing through Spider-Man's senses like a dagger to the chest. He couldn't falter—not now, not ever."Mr. Karito is keeping everything in check," Spider-Man reminded himself, "And Ace is already exhausted. I need to do this. I'm running on sheer willpower—and this suit, which might just be my salvation."The flame moved erratically, as if aware of Spider-Man's pursuit. It darted sideways, piercing through dimensions that buckled and cracked under its sheer velocity. Spider-Man zigzagged after it, his Speed Force-enhanced reflexes allowing him to follow its unpredictable path. Yet every time he closed the gap, the flame surged forward, evading him by quectoseconds."Speed. Beyond speed," Spider-Man growled, his voice thick with determination. "I can't let this thing win. Not when it means the end of every innocent life in this Verse."The cosmos around him flickered in and out of existence, fractals of light and shadow merging and collapsing. Multiversal walls disintegrated as Spider-Man ran faster than time itself, faster than the Speed Force had ever allowed him to go before. His body screamed in protest, but he ignored it, focusing solely on the flame ahead.The Guardian's words echoed in his mind, a reminder of the stakes: "This is the multiverse. Every soul, every reality, every possibility." Another recent memory surfaced, of a warning: "Be careful.""I'm sorry, Mr. Karito," Spider-Man thought. "I can't stop. I need to keep running. I need to save them all."Spider-Man's fingers reached out, brushing the edge of the flame. Its heat was indescribable, its energy alien and unrelenting. But it wasn't enough. The flame darted forward again, tearing through another hyperdimensional barrier and sending shockwaves of annihilation through the multiverse."No!" Spider-Man shouted, his voice cracking with desperation. He tapped deeper into the Velocity Suit's reserves, drawing on every ounce of power it could muster. The glowing spider emblem on his chest pulsed brighter, its light cutting through the collapsing multiverse like a beacon."I won't let you win," he thought, his jaw clenched. "I won't let you destroy everything. Not when I can stop you."He surged forward, his body a blur of red and blue streaks, the Speed Force propelling him faster than any being had ever traveled. The frictionless flame was no longer taunting him—it was within reach. Spider-Man focused every fiber of his being on the singular task of catching it.The multiverse around him dissolved into pure energy, a kaleidoscope of raw creation and destruction. Spider-Man could feel the weight of infinity pressing down on him, threatening to crush him under its enormity. But he didn't stop. He couldn't stop."Aunt May..." he whispered, drawing strength from the countless lives that depended on him. "If only you could see me now. How proud would you be?"With a final burst of speed, Spider-Man closed the gap. His hand shot forward, the neon circuits of his suit crackling with energy as he grabbed hold of the flame. The moment his fingers closed around it, the multiverse shuddered. The flame fought back, its frictionless nature resisting his grip, but Spider-Man held on, his suit amplifying his strength."This is for everyone," he growled through gritted teeth. "For every soul you've destroyed. For every universe you tried to erase. This is where it ends."The Velocity Suit surged with power, its circuits glowing brighter than ever before. Spider-Man's body became a conduit for the Speed Force, channeling its infinite energy into the flame. The frictionless nature of the flame began to falter, its destructive path slowing as Spider-Man imposed his will upon it.The multiverse seemed to hold its breath as Spider-Man pushed harder, his entire being focused on containing the flame's energy. Finally, with one final surge, he crushed the flame in his grip, extinguishing it completely.The multiverse erupted in a burst of light, its shattered pieces beginning to mend as Spider-Man slowed to a stop. He stood amidst the ruins of infinity, his suit flickering with residual energy, his body trembling from the exertion."It's over," he whispered, his voice filled with relief and exhaustion. "I did it."When Spider-Man moved beyond the limits of speed as we know it, he had transcended the bounds of physical reality.For a fleeting moment, he had become omnipresent.The multiverse began to stabilize, its fractured layers knitting themselves back together. The Guardian smirked, snapping his fingers to accelerate the restoration process. Reality itself shimmered like a glitching game, resetting to its proper state.SNAP!Both Ace and Peter were back in Runeterra thanks to the Guardian's help. With just a snap of his fingers, he had teleported them back to Ixtal, each to their own rooms to rest.Ace didn't move from the bed he was suddenly teleported to, but he didn't mind. The bed was soft, and the warmth enveloped him like a cocoon. He felt comfortable. Without a second thought, he drifted off to sleep."Good job, Flame Guardian," Saber's voice echoed gently in the room, though it wasn't clear if it was in his dreams or reality. "Just rest now—you've earned it."In the neighboring room, Peter collapsed to his knees, gasping for air. His Velocity Suit hissed loudly as it retracted, revealing his casual clothes beneath. Sweat clung to his brow, and his body trembled from the exhaustion of his multiversal sprint."Easy there," the Guardian said, opening the door to Peter's room. He crossed the room quickly and gently wrapped Peter's arm around his shoulder. "You just ran a marathon. Let me help you.""Thanks," Peter mumbled, his voice weak."Don't mention it," the Guardian replied, his tone calm and reassuring. "I'm proud of you, you know that?"Peter smiled tiredly, the corners of his lips barely lifting. "Yeah... thank you."The Guardian carefully placed Peter on the bed, making sure he was comfortable before stepping back. "Now rest. Saber and I will handle things for a while. You've done enough.""A break... hurray..." Peter murmured, his voice trailing off as his eyes fluttered shut.The Guardian watched him for a moment, noting just how exhausted he was. "He's more tired than I thought," he whispered to himself before quietly leaving the room.As he exited, he found Saber standing across the hall, waiting for him."How's he doing?" she asked, her tone laced with concern."He's hurt and exhausted, but with the way you all heal, he should be fine in a few days. Maybe even just a few hours," the Guardian assured her."Good," Saber replied, nodding. "That fight was far more intense than I anticipated. I didn't expect a Banshō-Man to appear here.""I knew who the character was, but I wasn't entirely aware of the full extent of his capabilities. For that, I apologize," Saber said, bowing lightly."Come on, there's no need for that," the Guardian said, tapping her shoulder lightly."But—""Don't worry about it, okay?" he interrupted gently, offering a reassuring smile.Saber sighed, her posture relaxing slightly. "If you say so, Guardian.""Let's head down. There should be food prepared already. I'll let the maids know to bring something for Ace and Peter as well, just in case," the Guardian said, already moving toward the stairs."Alright. Let's go immediately," Saber replied. Though she kept her tone serious, a flicker of joy lit her eyes at the mention of food.The Guardian snorted quietly to himself, amused by her attempts to maintain a composed facade. Her enthusiasm wasn't lost on him.To Be Continued...