The remnants of chaos echoed through the ruins of the city as Jin stood motionless, his sharp gaze fixed on Vorthax. The tyrant's silhouette loomed against the burning horizon, his armor battered and broken, but his posture unshaken.
Jin wiped the blood trickling from the corner of his mouth and whispered to himself, "Four minutes."
The countdown began. His Sight, the ability that let him predict movements before they happened, was temporarily out of reach. Until it returned, Jin would have to rely on his instincts—and his other techniques.
Raising two fingers to his face, Jin whispered, "Time Style: 32 Release." The air around him shimmered as if reality itself bent to his will. Time slowed, stretching every second into eternity.
But Vorthax wasn't waiting. His blurred form surged forward with explosive speed, the ground cracking beneath him as he charged headlong into Jin. A crimson energy radiated from his outstretched hand, roaring with destructive power. The sheer force of his movement tore through the air, sending shockwaves through the street.
Jin's voice cut through the chaos. "Release."
Time froze around him. The chaotic speed of Vorthax's charge slowed to a crawl, every motion deliberate and exaggerated. Jin moved his head slightly to the side, just enough to avoid the incoming attack. As he stepped back, his gaze flickered to a massive pillar lying in the rubble nearby. With a calculated push, Jin sent the pillar toppling into Vorthax's path.
The sound of stone grinding against stone filled the air as the massive structure slammed into Vorthax with a deafening boom. Dust and debris erupted from the impact, shrouding the battlefield in a dense fog.
Jin didn't hesitate. He leaped into the air, gripping his sword tightly as he channeled The Voice into the blade. The hum of gravitational energy built rapidly, growing into a resonating force that vibrated through the air. With a sharp downward swing, he released a devastating gravitational slash. The pressure pinned Vorthax to the ground, forcing his body into the rubble.
The slash connected fully, tearing through Vorthax's already damaged armor. The impact shredded his right arm clean off, the severed limb landing with a wet thud amidst the debris. Blood sprayed across the ground, but Jin didn't stop moving. He landed gracefully, his sword humming faintly as the gravitational energy faded.
He glanced at his opponent, his voice cutting through the haze. "Sword Style: The Voice Slash."
Vorthax lay motionless for a moment, his breathing labored. Blood pooled around him, but the flow began to slow unnaturally. The tension broke with a guttural yell as Vorthax's body twitched, the wounds knitting themselves back together at an accelerated pace. His blood reversed its course, flowing back into his body as his severed arm began to regenerate.
"You…" Vorthax hissed, pushing himself to his feet. His chest heaved as he glared at Jin, his voice trembling with rage. "That power… it's stronger than before. But such lowly tricks will not work on me again."
Jin didn't respond, his expression cold and unreadable. He simply adjusted his stance, the tip of his sword angled slightly toward the ground.
Vorthax's lips curled into a smirk as his chaotic energy surged outward, cracking the earth beneath him. "I must rule the Free World," he declared, his voice echoing across the battlefield. "And I will avenge my sister's death."
Without warning, he vanished, his speed now beyond comprehension. A faint distortion in the air marked his departure, leaving Jin momentarily scanning the horizon. The sound of collapsing buildings and screams of panic filled the streets as Vorthax's chaotic energy trailed across the city.
Jin's eyes narrowed as he muttered, "He's not attacking directly. I can't use Time Style like this."
The ground quaked as Jin took off in pursuit, his feet pounding against the cracked pavement. Vorthax was a blur, darting through the city like a streak of crimson light. He leaped across rooftops, sliding through shattered windows and diving between buildings with terrifying precision. Jin followed closely, his focus unshaken despite the chaos around him.
With a final, powerful leap, Vorthax tore through the air, shattering the remaining roof of the palace. The sound of crumbling stone echoed across the city as he landed inside the throne room. His movements were deliberate, every step exuding menace as he approached King Aegon, slumped and weakened against the grand throne.
Without hesitation, Vorthax's clawed hand shot out, wrapping around Aegon's throat. He lifted the king effortlessly, his grip tightening as he hoisted him into the air.
"Your reign ends here," Vorthax growled, his voice filled with venom. Aegon clawed weakly at Vorthax's arm, his gasps for air echoing in the now-silent chamber.
A faint thud interrupted the moment. Jin landed in the throne room, his boots crunching against the marble floor. His cold gaze locked onto Vorthax, who turned slightly to regard his opponent. The flickering light of the fires outside cast long shadows across the room, the tension between them palpable.
Nearby, Madagascar, the Red Demon Monkey, knelt beside Rebekah, his glowing hands pulsing with faint energy as he worked to heal her wounds. Rebekah stirred slightly, her breathing steadying under his care.
Jin stepped forward, his grip tightening on his sword. His voice, low and calm, carried the weight of his resolve. "This ends now."