Hermes gritted his teeth, muscles tense as he tried in vain to break free from the roots holding him captive. The feeling of helplessness gnawed at his pride, each movement only resulting in a tighter grip. It was evident that the situation was beyond Hermes' control, and that made him furious.
"You think you can finish me off...?!" Hermes shouted, his voice filled with rage and desperation. He kept struggling, but the roots only tightened, suffocating him slowly.
Kaito looked coldly at the imprisoned god, his eyes reflecting unshakable determination and the satisfaction of having another enemy in his hands. He raised the spear Vendetta, observing Hermes for a moment.
"You will be just another to fall before me, Hermes. This is your end."
Kaito then struck a mortal blow with Vendetta, the gleaming blade piercing Hermes' chest.
SHINK!
Hermes' eyes widened, pain and despair taking over his expression as the spear went through him. A strangled scream escaped his lips as he felt life being torn from his body.
"N-no... it can't be..." Hermes stammered, his voice growing weaker and weaker.
Kaito watched without any emotion, just a cold satisfaction as he saw the light in Hermes' eyes slowly fade. He held the spear for a moment longer before withdrawing it with a swift motion.
SLASH!
Hermes fell to his knees, his body weakened and his breath nearly nonexistent. His head drooped forward, and with a final sigh, he collapsed lifeless onto the sands of the Coliseum.
A golden light began to emanate from Hermes' body, shining intensely as it detached from him. Kaito watched attentively as this light moved toward him, as if attracted to his presence.
The light enveloped Kaito, entering his body and being absorbed by him. Kaito closed his eyes, feeling the divine power of Hermes being transferred to him. It was an overwhelming sensation, as if every fiber of his being was being energized by a force beyond comprehension.
He took a deep breath, feeling the power stabilize within him. Hermes' energy was now part of his own, further enhancing his abilities.
Kaito slowly opened his eyes, a cold, determined gleam in his gaze. He then raised his hand, and with a firm motion, dissolved the Coliseum around him.
SHUUUM!
The marble columns began to disintegrate, turning into particles of light carried away by the wind. The sandy floor disappeared, giving way to the original setting of the city of Nightshade. Everything returned to normal, as if the Coliseum had never existed.
Ophis was there, waiting for him, her expression unchanged. She observed Kaito, silently assessing him as he approached.
"It's done," Kaito said, his voice calm as he neared Ophis. "Hermes has been eliminated."
Ophis nodded slightly, her eyes still fixed on Kaito. "Very well. Let's proceed."
SHUUUM!
A magic circle glowed beneath Kaito and Ophis' feet, and in an instant, both disappeared, teleporting to their next destination.
...
Kaito and Ophis materialized on an island, surrounded by the sound of the ocean and the salty scent of the sea breeze. The place was filled with statues of Poseidon, each one imposing and meticulously sculpted, representing the sea god's dominion over this territory. At the top of a large mountain stood a majestic castle, with towers reaching towards the sky.
Kaito surveyed the location, his expression serious as he analyzed the surroundings. Ophis, on the other hand, seemed indifferent, her attention entirely focused on the castle at the mountain's peak.
"Let's go," Ophis said, starting to walk toward the mansion. Kaito nodded, following her in silence, aware that they were about to face another challenge.
As they reached the castle, they were met with a solemn atmosphere. The castle was decorated with symbols of Poseidon's power, with walls adorned by depictions of sea creatures and the god himself wielding his trident. The place exuded an aura of respect and authority.
Poseidon appeared at the entrance of the main hall, his gaze fixed on Ophis. He was tall and imposing, with long hair and a beard that resembled ocean waves. His expression was serious, but there was a certain respect in his eyes as he faced the Infinite Dragon Goddess.
"Ophis," Poseidon said, his voice deep and respectful. "I never imagined you would come to my domain. What brings you here?"
"I came to fight," Ophis replied, her voice calm and direct. "You must be eliminated."
Poseidon narrowed his eyes, the respect still present in his posture, but now accompanied by evident caution. "So that's it... You came to claim my territory. I will not yield without a fight."
Ophis said nothing more. She advanced toward Poseidon, her hands glowing with an intense black energy. Poseidon, in turn, raised his trident, water around him beginning to move, forming defensive barriers and attacks.
CLANG! CRASH!
The clash of Ophis and Poseidon's powers made the castle tremble, the walls cracking as their energies collided. Poseidon unleashed a massive wave towards Ophis, but she merely raised her hand, dispersing the water as if it were nothing.
THUD! WHAM!
Ophis advanced, moving with frightening speed. She struck a blow that hit Poseidon in the chest, sending him crashing against the wall. Poseidon tried to get up, but Ophis gave him no time. She attacked him again, each blow carrying devastating force.
Poseidon panted, his body weakened and severely injured. He tried to raise his trident once more, but Ophis disarmed him with a swift motion, sending the weapon to the other side of the hall.
Kaito watched the battle, his eyes wide as he witnessed Ophis' overwhelming power. Every move she made was precise and devastating, as if she were fighting something insignificant. Poseidon, one of the most powerful gods, was at the mercy of the Infinite Dragon Goddess, with no chance of victory.
Poseidon fell to his knees, his body trembling as he looked up at Ophis, his eyes reflecting defeat. "You... truly are... the most powerful..." he murmured before losing consciousness and collapsing to the ground.
Kaito approached slowly, observing the defeated god. He raised the spear Vendetta, a cold expression on his face as he prepared to deliver the final blow.
SHINK!
Kaito drove the spear into Poseidon's heart. The blade went through the god's chest with ease, and a final breath escaped Poseidon's lips before he finally fell, lifeless.
"This is happening faster than I expected," Kaito murmured to himself, withdrawing the spear from Poseidon's body.
A golden light began to emanate from Poseidon's body, shining intensely as it detached from him. Kaito watched as this light moved toward him, completely enveloping him.
The divine power of Poseidon was absorbed by Kaito, the energy flowing through his body like an immense wave, filling him with strength and power. He closed his eyes, feeling the power stabilize within him, every part of his being vibrating with the new energy.
Kaito took a deep breath, opening his eyes slowly. Now, with Poseidon's power also in his hands, he was stronger than ever. He looked at Ophis, who observed him silently.
"It's done," Kaito said, his voice firm. "Let's move on to the next."
Ophis nodded, and a magic circle glowed beneath their feet, teleporting them to their next destination.
SHUUUM!