The battlefield was chaotic, a swirl of ice and energy clashing violently in the desolate landscape. Josuke stood firm, his massive Fullbringer sword resting heavily in his hand. Across from him, Gene seethed, his devilish aura pulsing with malice.
Without hesitation, Gene charged, moving with incredible speed. His form blurred as he closed the distance between himself and Josuke in an instant, his clawed hand aiming for a devastating strike. Yet, before Gene could make contact, Josuke vanished. He reappeared behind Gene with equal speed, his Fullbringer slashing across Gene's chest.
The blade left a deep gash, but Gene managed to twist his body just in time to avoid a fatal wound. Blood trickled from the cut, staining his icy armor. He growled, his crimson eyes blazing with rage.
Josuke, meanwhile, glanced at his own hand, flexing his fingers as though testing his newfound strength. His power had grown immensely, far beyond what he had ever experienced. Every movement felt lighter, every attack more precise. It was as though he and Chaos were finally syncing, pushing his abilities to their peak.
Gene's face twisted into a scowl as he muttered, "What is this power? You think growing a horn and some fancy marks will make a difference? The outcome will be the same you'll lose, just like before."
Josuke's gaze hardened, his red eyes glowing ominously. He didn't respond with words but instead raised his Fullbringer, its dark energy crackling ominously.
Gene roared and launched himself forward again, this time with greater force. His clawed fist connected with Josuke's chest, but to his shock, Josuke didn't flinch. The impact, which would have shattered bones, seemed to bounce off Josuke like a mere tap.
Josuke tilted his head slightly, his expression unreadable. Then, in a flash, he retaliated. Using the back of his Fullbringer, he struck Gene across the head. The force of the blow sent Gene flying, crashing through the icy terrain. He landed roughly but quickly scrambled to his feet, his face a mask of fury and confusion.
"How…?" Gene hissed, wiping blood from his lip. He raised his hands, summoning jagged ice tentacles that shot toward Josuke. The tendrils of ice snaked through the air, sharp as blades, aiming to ensnare and crush Josuke.
But Josuke was faster. He moved effortlessly, weaving through the icy assault as though it were a mere dance. Each tentacle shattered as it missed its mark, leaving Gene more frustrated with every failed attack.
In one swift motion, Josuke hurled his Fullbringer. The massive sword spun through the air like a deadly whirlwind, narrowly missing Gene's head as he ducked. The weapon embedded itself in the ground behind him, its dark energy crackling ominously.
Gene smirked, thinking Josuke had left himself open. But before he could capitalize, Josuke was already in front of him. A flurry of powerful punches followed, each strike landing with devastating precision. Josuke's blows pummeled Gene relentlessly, driving him back. The ground beneath them cracked with each impact, a testament to the sheer force behind Josuke's attacks.
Gene was sent flying once more, skidding across the battlefield. This time, he struggled to rise, his body battered and bruised. Josuke calmly retrieved his Fullbringer, his movements deliberate and unhurried.
Standing tall, Josuke looked down at Gene. His voice was cold, almost detached. "At this point, there's no reason to keep fighting you. You're weak, Gene. But this battle is over."
Gene's eyes blazed with fury. "Over? You think you can just exorcise me like some low-level spirit? Never!" he roared, his voice shaking the battlefield.
Back at the Elder's unit, the scene unfolded on a large mana screen. The Elders watched in disbelief, their faces pale.
"This is impossible," one of them muttered, slamming his fist on the table. "He was supposed to die! How is this happening?"
The room buzzed with tension, their carefully laid plans unraveling before their eyes.
Kyle stood silently nearby, arms crossed. His usually calm demeanor was replaced with a rare smirk. "You underestimated my student," he said, his tone sharp. "Now you're seeing the results. You thought you could control everything, but Josuke is beyond your grasp."
The Elders glared at Kyle, their anger palpable, but he remained unfazed, his faith in Josuke unwavering.
Back on the battlefield, Gene staggered to his feet, his breathing heavy. His once imposing figure now seemed fragile under Josuke's unrelenting gaze.
Josuke's eyes burned with resolve as he raised his Fullbringer, the dark energy swirling around the blade. "It's over, Gene," he said, his voice echoing with finality. "You've lost."