The tunnel shook violently as the figure in black armor charged forward, the ground cracking beneath each thunderous step. Kai's heart pounded in his chest, but his mind was focused, calm. He glanced at Joseph beside him, who looked back with a determined grin.
"Guess this is it," Joseph muttered, his tone uncharacteristically serious.
Kai nodded. "Stay close. We'll handle this together."
As the armored figure closed in, Kai could feel a dark energy radiating from their opponent—an intense, malevolent force that felt almost familiar. The figure's blade glinted in the dim light, and with a roar, it swung the massive weapon toward them. Kai dodged to the side, feeling the rush of air as the blade cleaved through the space where he'd just been standing.
"Joseph, now!" Kai shouted.
Joseph unleashed his **Dominating Energy**, pulling the power from the very walls around them, drawing on every ounce of kinetic force he could muster. The air crackled with raw energy as he focused, his grin widening. He thrust his hand forward, sending a concentrated blast of shimmering energy straight toward their foe.
But the figure was fast—too fast. It twisted, avoiding Joseph's attack, and closed the distance between them in a flash. Joseph barely managed to leap back, narrowly dodging a swipe of the serrated blade.
Kai moved quickly, stepping in front of Joseph. "We need to work together!" he yelled. "I'll distract him. You hit him with everything you've got!"
Joseph nodded, his usual cocky demeanor replaced with intense focus. "Got it. Be careful, Kai."
Kai darted forward, moving faster than he had ever moved before. He tapped into the remnants of his **Zenith Reflex**, feeling the familiar surge of power flood his veins, making his movements fluid and sharp. He struck at the armored figure with a series of rapid blows, forcing it to retreat a step. But it was like striking steel; the armor barely dented.
The figure laughed, a deep, resonating sound that sent chills down Kai's spine. "You think you can win, boy?" it taunted in a low, gravelly voice. "You're just delaying the inevitable."
Kai gritted his teeth, refusing to let doubt creep in. "I've beaten worse than you," he spat back, launching himself forward once more. He aimed a kick at the figure's midsection, but the enemy caught his leg and flung him backward with incredible strength. Kai hit the ground hard, gasping as the air was knocked from his lungs.
Joseph saw his chance. "Hold on, Kai!" he shouted, gathering his **Dominating Energy** into his fists. He charged forward, unleashing a barrage of powerful energy blasts, aiming at every weak point he could see. Each blast struck the figure, creating a flash of light and heat that filled the tunnel.
For a moment, it seemed to be working—the figure stumbled back, its armor smoking from the impact. But then, with a roar, the enemy thrust its blade into the ground. A wave of dark energy erupted from the point of impact, blasting Joseph off his feet and slamming him into the tunnel wall.
Kai scrambled to his feet, panic gripping him. "Joseph!" he called, rushing to his friend's side.
Joseph groaned, pushing himself up with a wince. "I'm… I'm okay," he muttered, but his voice was strained.
The armored figure advanced again, its eyes glowing with a sinister light. "You're outmatched," it sneered. "You don't stand a chance."
Kai clenched his fists. "We'll see about that," he replied fiercely. But even as he spoke, doubt gnawed at him. Their enemy was powerful, and Kai could feel his own strength waning. The fight was dragging on too long.
Then, a new presence filled the tunnel, a familiar, commanding energy that made Kai's heart skip a beat. From the shadows, Goro emerged, his face solemn, his eyes locked onto Kai.
"Goro…" Kai breathed, a mix of relief and confusion washing over him. "What are you doing here?"
Goro's expression was unreadable. "I came to finish this," he said quietly, his gaze shifting to the armored figure. "And to stop you, Kai."
Kai's eyes widened. "Stop me? What do you mean?"
Goro stepped closer, his voice heavy with resolve. "Kai, you're a threat now. The power you've gained… it's too dangerous. You're too dangerous."
Joseph blinked, still dazed. "Wait… Goro, what are you talking about? Kai's on our side!"
Goro shook his head. "Not anymore. The Academy sees him as a liability, a rogue element. They've given the order… to eliminate him."
Kai felt a chill run down his spine. "Goro… you can't be serious."
Goro's expression softened, but only for a moment. "I wish I weren't, Kai. But this is how it has to be."
Kai's heart pounded, but he kept his voice steady. "Then I guess there's nothing left to say."
Goro nodded, his stance shifting, preparing for combat. "No… there isn't."
Kai and Goro moved in tandem, their bodies tense, their eyes locked. The air between them seemed to hum with the energy of impending conflict. For a moment, neither of them moved. Then, in an instant, they both charged.
Kai swung first, aiming a powerful punch at Goro's chest, but Goro dodged, countering with a sharp kick that Kai barely managed to block. The force of the impact sent Kai skidding back, but he recovered quickly, launching himself forward again with a flurry of blows. Each strike was met by Goro's precise blocks and parries, the sound of their clash echoing through the tunnel.
Joseph watched in shock, unable to comprehend what was happening. "Kai! Goro! Stop this!" he shouted, but neither of them seemed to hear.
Goro swung his arm, a wave of energy bursting from his palm. Kai ducked, narrowly avoiding it, but he felt the heat singe his skin. He retaliated with a burst of his own energy, a concentrated blast that struck Goro in the shoulder, forcing him back.
Goro winced but didn't falter. "You've gotten stronger," he admitted, his voice calm. "But it won't be enough."
Kai gritted his teeth. "I'm not trying to be strong… I'm trying to survive."
They clashed again, exchanging rapid blows, their movements a blur. Goro's attacks were fierce, relentless, but Kai matched him blow for blow, refusing to back down. The ground beneath them cracked and trembled, the air thick with tension and power.
And then, in a split second, Goro's stance shifted. His eyes met Kai's with a look of determination, and he whispered, "I'm sorry."
Kai felt a surge of energy from Goro—a power he hadn't seen before. In that moment, he knew he had to make a choice. He glanced at Joseph, who was still recovering, then back at Goro. Without hesitating, Kai charged forward, pouring all his remaining strength into a final attack.
Goro's eyes widened in surprise. "Kai, no—"
But Kai didn't stop. He reached Goro and, with a mighty force, pushed him back, diverting the energy of Goro's attack away from Joseph. The energy collided with Kai's body instead, and he felt an intense, searing pain course through him.
"Kai!" Joseph screamed, scrambling to his feet.
Kai staggered, his body trembling as he fought to remain standing. "Joseph… go," he managed to gasp. "Get out of here."
Joseph hesitated, his eyes wide with fear. "I… I can't leave you, man!"
Kai smiled faintly, even as his vision blurred. "You have to. You're the only one who can… make this right."
Goro's face was filled with regret, his voice breaking. "Kai… you didn't have to do this."
Kai's knees buckled, and he fell to the ground, coughing up blood. But he kept his eyes on Joseph. "Go," he whispered, "before it's too late."
Tears filled Joseph's eyes, but he nodded. "Okay… okay. I'll… I'll see you soon, Kai."
With a final look, Joseph turned and ran, leaving Kai and Goro behind.
Kai's breath was shallow, his vision fading. He felt the cold of the ground against his skin, the weight of his body growing heavier. But there was a peace in his heart—a sense of fulfillment.
He had protected his friend, just as he always had.
Goro knelt beside him, tears streaming down his face. "I'm so sorry, Kai… I never wanted this."
Kai smiled weakly. "It's… okay," he whispered. "Just… take care of them, Goro. Take care of… everyone."
With that, Kai's eyes closed, his body going still, the last of his breath escaping his lips.
The tunnel fell silent, save for the quiet sobs of Goro as he cradled his fallen friend.