The industrial district crackled with tension as Akira and Kenzo faced down Nareth. The rogue general stood at ease, his crimson aura flaring faintly against the dim light of the battlefield. Behind him, Shiro and Chiyo lay unconscious, battered and bruised.
Nareth: "It's been a while, hasn't it, Akira? And you, Kenzo… still following orders like a loyal dog?"
Kenzo bristled, stepping forward with electricity sparking faintly at his fingertips.
Kenzo: "Keep talking, Nareth. Let's see how much of that arrogance survives this fight."
Akira remained silent, his golden eyes locked on Nareth with a calm yet piercing intensity. His hands glowed faintly with a soft light, the energy radiating from him steady and composed.
Nareth: "Oh, don't look at me like that, Akira. You know as well as I do that this was inevitable. You think sealing that monster was a victory? You barely delayed the inevitable."
Akira's expression tightened for a split second before his calm mask returned.
Akira: "I've heard enough. Let's end this."
Without another word, Kenzo lunged, his fists crackling with lightning. Nareth met him head-on, their clash sending a shockwave rippling through the air. Kenzo's strikes were ferocious, each punch accompanied by sharp arcs of electricity that lit up the battlefield. Nareth dodged with inhuman speed, countering with precise, devastating strikes of his own.
Nareth: "Still as reckless as ever, Kenzo. You've always been easy to read."
Kenzo growled, his movements growing faster, more unpredictable. Sparks danced around his body as he unleashed a barrage of lightning-infused punches, forcing Nareth to step back. Akira took the opportunity to close in, his light-infused strikes elegant and precise. Nareth smirked, sidestepping Akira's blows and retaliating with a fiery wave of energy that forced them both to retreat.
Nareth: "This is almost nostalgic. The two of you together, trying so hard to take me down. Tell me, Akira, does Kenzo know what you're really fighting for?"
Akira didn't respond, his eyes narrowing as he dodged another blast of energy. Kenzo charged back into the fray, his body a blur of movement as lightning surged around him.
Kenzo: "You talk too much!"
The battle raged on, each clash of energy sending tremors through the district. Kenzo's lightning attacks were relentless, creating blinding flashes of light and deafening thunderclaps with every strike. Akira moved like a dancer, his light-infused attacks creating streaks of gold in the air as he weaved between Nareth's fiery blows.
Nareth: "Impressive. You've both improved. But you're still no match for me."
With a roar, Nareth unleashed a massive wave of crimson fire, forcing Akira and Kenzo to leap apart. The ground beneath them scorched, smoke rising in thick plumes. Akira landed gracefully, his glowing hands raised defensively as he assessed the situation. Kenzo, on the other hand, was already preparing his next attack.
Kenzo: "Let's see how you handle this!"
He slammed his fists together, a surge of electricity spiraling outward. Lightning shot through the air in jagged arcs, converging on Nareth. The rogue general deflected the bolts with a fiery shield, but the force of the attack left him momentarily exposed. Akira capitalized on the opening, darting forward and landing a powerful light-infused punch to Nareth's chest. The impact sent Nareth skidding backward, his smirk replaced by a grimace.
Nareth: "Not bad. But you're going to need more than that."
He straightened, his aura flaring brighter than ever. Crimson flames erupted around him, the intensity of his energy shaking the ground. Kenzo and Akira exchanged a glance, unspoken understanding passing between them. They charged together, their combined attacks creating a dazzling display of lightning and light.
At Kagemoritai Headquarters
The command room was tense, agents bustling around as reports streamed in. One of the senior officers turned to the central monitor, where a map displayed the industrial district.
Officer: "The energy levels have spiked again. It's almost as if the fight's escalating to a critical point. Now the readings of the S Rank rouge have reached the SS stage!"
An agent approached Akira's light.
Agent: "I hope the captain and Kenzo will be okay. If they lose than caos will erupt for shure."
Back at the Battlefield
Kenzo and Akira's combined assault finally began to wear Nareth down. His movements grew slightly slower, his attacks less precise. But even as they pressed their advantage, the rogue general refused to falter.
Nareth: "You think you've won? This is only the beginning."
Before he could continue, a sudden chill filled the air. The battle paused as a figure stepped into view, his pristine white suit and hat stark against the destruction. His piercing blue eyes surveyed the scene with an air of detached amusement.
White-Suited Man: "Nareth, you've had your fun. Let's not waste any more time here."
Kenzo's eyes narrowed.
Kenzo: "You again. I should've known."
Akira's voice was cold.
Akira: "What are you planning?"
The man chuckled, tipping his hat.
White-Suited Man: "All in good time, Akira. But for now, let's call this a draw."
With a wave of his hand, an invisible force slammed into Kenzo and Akira, pinning them to the ground. Nareth staggered to his feet, his grin returning as the man approached him.
Nareth: "You're late."
White-Suited Man: "And yet, perfectly on time."
He placed a hand on Nareth's shoulder, a faint glow surrounding them.
White-Suited Man: "We'll meet again soon. Until then, rest well."
In a flash of light, they vanished, leaving Kenzo and Akira alone amidst the rubble. The two men slowly got to their feet, their expressions grim.
Kenzo: "This isn't over."
Akira: "No. It's just beginning."
As the smoke cleared, the silence of the battlefield was broken only by the faint hum of residual energy, a harbinger of the battles yet to come.