Shingin's mind raced as he forced himself to ignore the searing pain tearing through his abdomen. His grip tightened around his waterblade. The writhing mass of serpents surrounding him seemed to sense his resolve, surging with greater ferocity as if intent on consuming everything in their path. From a distance, Watcher 25's cold laughter echoed, carrying an air of unshakable confidence.
"He's at his limit," Watcher 25 murmured with disdain.
"We've dragged this out long enough," Watcher 23 replied, licking his lips. His dagger gleamed ominously as he advanced, step by step. "Time to finish this."
Shingin's gaze flicked to Riyugi and Myouka. Behind them, the protective barrier of water currents was beginning to crack under the relentless pressure of the serpents. The two girls stood resolute, with Myouka shielding Riyugi. Though trembling, her eyes were fixed on Shingin, silently declaring, We believe in you.
Shingin inhaled deeply, his hesitation evaporating. In a low murmur, he vowed, "No matter the cost, I'll protect them."
A sudden, intense pressure radiated from Shingin's form. The surrounding water surged, its azure glow intensifying until it lit the entire battlefield. The brilliance caught the attention of both Watchers and even caused the serpents to falter, their instinct sensing imminent danger.
"What is he doing?" Watcher 25's voice betrayed a hint of unease.
"Pathetic. Just a dying gasp," Watcher 23 scoffed. "Let's put him out of his misery."
But the moment Watcher 23 spoke, Shingin erupted with a guttural roar, a sound like the depths of the ocean unleashed. The roar was accompanied by a wave of water, razor-sharp and furious, surging outward.
"What?!" Watcher 23 exclaimed as he leapt back, barely avoiding the wave. Its edges still managed to cut him, and blood blossomed from his arm. Meanwhile, the serpents were obliterated. The wave ripped through their writhing bodies, shredding them into black mist that dissipated into the air.
Even Watcher 25, observing from a distance, showed a flicker of shock. He hastily raised his weapon, aiming to strike from afar. Yet Shingin didn't give him the chance. Harnessing the momentum of the surging waters, Shingin charged, his blade carving a gleaming arc toward Watcher 25.
Caught off guard, Watcher 25 barely managed to block the strike with his hardened, scaled forearm. But the impact was far more powerful than he had anticipated. The force sent him skidding back, his footing faltering.
"You insolent—!" Watcher 25 snarled, his expression dark with rage.
Shingin offered no reply, his gaze cold and unwavering. He swung again, ready to press his advantage. But just as he was about to strike, Riyugi's voice rang out from behind him:
"Shingin, behind you!"
Instinctively, Shingin twisted around and saw Watcher 23 closing in, his dagger glinting with lethal intent. With no time to dodge, Shingin raised his arm and intercepted the blow, the blade sinking into his flesh. Pain exploded through him, but he gritted his teeth, refusing to cry out. His free hand summoned a torrent of water that struck Watcher 23 square in the chest, sending him flying backward.
"Are you okay?" Riyugi's voice trembled with concern as she struggled to approach him. Yet the lingering black mist from the serpents kept her path blocked.
"I'm fine," Shingin said, pressing his hand against the wound. He forced a faint, reassuring smile. "Stay where you are. Don't worry about me."
In truth, his vision was beginning to blur. His strength and resolve were reaching their limits. Though the serpents had been scattered, the Watchers remained dangerous, and the swirling black mist was already beginning to reform.
This battle wasn't over—not yet. Unless he found a way to turn the tide decisively, neither he nor the girls would escape this hell.
Focusing his will, Shingin steadied himself and lunged at Watcher 23, his waterblade slicing through the air with relentless precision.
Caught off guard, Watcher 23 snarled, barely deflecting Shingin's strikes. The ferocity of Shingin's attacks left no room for counterattacks. Each swing seemed to target a vital weakness, pushing Watcher 23 closer to the edge.
As the two clashed, Shingin's mind remained sharp. With a sudden motion, he tossed his waterblade into the air, freeing his hands to command the water at his feet.
A high-pressure jet erupted from the ground beneath Watcher 23, striking his shoulder with unrelenting force. Blood sprayed as the Watcher stumbled back, clutching the wound.
"Shingin, watch out!" Riyugi's urgent warning came again, her voice cutting through the chaos. "The ground—look out!"