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Chapter 70 - CHAPTER 69: Astral Severance

In the charged aftermath of the Astral Solar Annihilation's invocation, the astral plane quivered with the resonance of celestial power. Kaito, still under the ephemeral influence of Altharion, stood amidst the cosmic fallout, his eyes reflecting the luminescent remnants of the celestial onslaught. Enishi, undeterred and untouched by the devastation surrounding him, wore an amused smirk that hinted at a deeper understanding of Kaito's latent potential.

The luminous asteroid, a harbinger of cosmic destruction, continued its descent with awe-inspiring momentum. Trails of astral energy rippled through space, leaving ethereal imprints that lingered in the aftermath of Kaito's Nature Enes manifestation. The targeted area within Shibuya, now marked for cataclysmic alteration, awaited the impending collision that would reshape its very fabric.

The sheer force of the astral asteroid's impact surpassed the destructive might of stars colliding, a celestial spectacle that echoed through the cosmic expanse. It unleashed a torrent of cosmic energy, engulfing everything in its path and leaving a profound void in its wake. The devastation was unparalleled, a testament to the formidable power unleashed by the Astral Solar Annihilation.

As the cosmic aftermath settled, revealing a transformed Shibuya, both Enishi and Kaito stood unscathed amid the cosmic chaos. The rest of the combatants had wisely retreated, leaving only the central figures to witness the unfolding drama.

Enishi, with a smirk that belied a deeper understanding, taunted Kaito for what he perceived as restraint. "You're still holding back... Tsk. What a useless brat you are," he remarked, his tone dripping with condescension. Kaito, however, maintained his composure, responding with a curt, "Knock it off."

The question lingered in the charged air – why wasn't Kaito employing higher-tier attacks? Enishi, perceptive and unfazed, prodded further, "Why don't you use higher tier attacks?" Kaito's response was not in words but in a penetrating gaze that conveyed a complex mix of determination, caution, and the realization that time was of the essence.

In the recesses of his thoughts, Kaito contemplated the temporal constraints imposed by the Essence Paragon state. Four minutes, a fleeting window within which he could harness the pinnacle of Nature Enes power. Beyond that threshold, the risk of losing control to Altharion intensified, adding a layer of urgency to Kaito's strategic decisions.

The cosmic battlefield stood frozen in a temporal paradox, the countdown ticking away as Kaito grappled with the impending need to unleash his mightiest arsenal before the Essence Paragon state's limitations took hold.

In the cosmic ballet of accelerated velocities, Kaito and Enishi blurred through the astral battleground, streaks of radiant energy tracing their trajectories. The ethereal symphony of their clash echoed through the altered Shibuya, an otherworldly spectacle that defied the bounds of mortal comprehension.

Kaito, propelled by the extraordinary speed attained through the Essence Paragon state, surged toward Enishi with a determination that resonated beyond the temporal confines. Each step carried the weight of celestial forces, a manifestation of Nature Enes harnessed to its pinnacle. Enishi, equally adept and attuned to the cosmic dance, met Kaito's approach with an anticipation that bordered on preternatural.

As the distance between the two diminished, Kaito readied himself to unleash a straight punch, the raw force of Altharion's influence coursing through him. However, Enishi, displaying an innate mastery of combat dynamics, countered with a series of calculated maneuvers that defied the conventional expectations of their confrontation.

Enishi's upper left arm shot forward in a swift straight punch, a kinetic ripple of power that sought to intercept Kaito's intended strike. Simultaneously, his lower left arm moved with precision, reaching out to grasp the left side of Kaito's waist. The intricate choreography continued as Enishi seamlessly transitioned, unleashing a powerful right hook with his upper right arm, a strike aimed at exploiting any potential opening in Kaito's defenses.

Yet, the complexity of Enishi's assault didn't end there. His lower right arm mirrored the actions of its counterpart, extending to seize the right side of Kaito's waist. In a breathtaking display of combat finesse, Enishi orchestrated a sequence designed not only to strike but also to control and restrict Kaito's movements.

In the fleeting moments before impact, Kaito, demonstrating his own agility and adaptability, veered off the anticipated trajectory of the straight punch. The initial plan to deliver a counter-straight punch was abandoned in favor of a strategic slip to the outside, evading direct contact. However, the masterful execution of Enishi's combination proved formidable.

The right hook found its mark, connecting with Kaito as he evaded the initial assault. The impact, though absorbed by Kaito's resilient form, disrupted the fluidity of his movement. As Enishi's lower arms secured a grip on both sides of Kaito's waist, a momentary pause enveloped the cosmic battlefield.

Caught in the intricacies of Enishi's technique, Kaito grappled with the sudden shift in momentum. The celestial energies that enveloped them crackled with intensity, bearing witness to the convergence of mortal and guardian forces in a struggle that transcended the boundaries of conventional combat. The cosmic dance continued, leaving an indelible imprint on the tapestry of their extraordinary clash.

Enishi's cutting words echoed in the eerie silence, a testament to the disappointment the formidable practitioner felt toward Kaito's perceived shortcomings.

"You, brat, truly were useless," Enishi's voice resonated with a mix of disdain and frustration. The cosmic battlefield, once filled with the clash of extraordinary powers, now bore witness to a pivotal moment that held Kaito's destiny in the balance. Enishi's disappointment, however, was not solely rooted in the physical exchange; it extended to Kaito's refusal to fully embrace Altharion's overwhelming influence.

As Kaito struggled to free himself from the entangling grip of Enishi's lower arms, the seasoned practitioner muttered an incantation under his breath. A sudden explosion reverberated through the astral space, an explosive force that disrupted the equilibrium of the cosmic confrontation. The shockwave cascaded through the battlefield, unsettling the very fabric of reality.

In the wake of the explosion, Kaito felt a disorienting sensation, as if the boundaries of his existence had been fractured. Slowly descending, he cast a desperate gaze toward his own form. To his horror, he discovered the grotesque truth – he had been severed into two distinct halves. The lower half, still standing, bore the weight of the macabre division, while the upper half lay sprawled on the ground, a chilling tableau of cosmic cruelty.

Blood, the essence of mortality, dripped from Kaito's mouth and the grotesque wound that marked the severance of his being. The pain, both physical and existential, clawed at his senses. The silence that followed Enishi's ruthless act seemed to stretch into an eternity, punctuated only by the ominous hum of the astral barrier surrounding Shibuya.

Kaito's mind, a whirlwind of thoughts and emotions, confronted the harsh reality of impending demise. His eyes, still filled with the vibrancy of life, stared upward at the barrier that encapsulated Shibuya. The once vibrant and dynamic battlefield now bore witness to the tragic aftermath of a battle that had spiraled into the depths of despair.

Amidst the anguish, a familiar voice cut through the maelstrom of Kaito's consciousness. Altharion, the guardian of Nature Enes, manifested within Kaito's thoughts, a spectral presence that offered a fleeting connection in the face of annihilation. "Hey, Kaito..." Altharion's voice resonated with a mixture of empathy and urgency.