As Watcher 23 prepared to intervene, the sky was suddenly torn apart by a blazing firelight, descending like a meteor to engulf the remnants of the serpent swarm. The flames burned fiercely, distorting the air with their heat as the snakes hissed in agony, their cries echoing through the forest. Watcher 25's pupils contracted in shock as he looked up, only for a deafening crack of thunder to resound immediately after.
Lightning cascaded down like divine wrath, striking the ground with devastating force. The impact severed thick trees in half, and the interwoven blaze and lightning created an apocalyptic scene. The earth was scarred with blackened fissures, and the intense heat withered the surrounding foliage. Each flash of lightning twisted the shadows of the trees, as if monsters lurked in the dark, waiting to devour everything.
Watcher 23 and Watcher 25 exchanged uneasy glances, their eyes filled with astonishment. The sudden turn of events froze them in place. Before they could react, two figures emerged swiftly from the fire and thunder, landing gracefully on the ground. Their movements were precise, their presence commanding. It was Yahageshii and Ryuosho.
Yahageshii's fists were ablaze with fiery flames, each flicker reflecting his predatory gaze. His lips curled into a confident smirk, his stance exuding raw power. Beside him, Ryuosho was wreathed in crackling lightning, the arcs snaking around him like living entities. He stood at the eye of the storm, radiating an aura of overwhelming dominance. Standing shoulder to shoulder with Shingin, their combined presence was as unshakable as a mountain.
Watcher 23's scalp tingled, his heartbeat pounding like a war drum. His gaze flickered between the relentless fire and lightning, his throat dry. Moments earlier, he had believed the situation to be under control, but now, it felt as though a scythe of death hovered inches from his neck. Taking a deep breath, he forced himself to calm down and whispered to Watcher 25, "Don't panic. We still have leverage."
Shingin's mutation had already been overwhelming. Now, with two more allies arriving, their chances of victory were dwindling. Watcher 23's expression darkened with frustration and humiliation—being cornered by a group of adolescents was an affront to his pride. Yet, after a brief moment of anger, he regained his composure, gritting his teeth as he murmured, "This isn't the time to fight."
Watcher 25 caught on immediately, grabbing Riyugi and Myouka as they hastily retreated. Before leaving, he shot a cold glare at Shingin, snarling, "Next time, you won't be so lucky."
Yahageshii watched the fleeing enemies, his gaze lingering momentarily on Riyugi and Myouka before turning to Shingin. Despite his battered and bloodied state, Shingin stood tall, his icy resolve unwavering.
"Pursue them," Shingin commanded, his voice low but authoritative, leaving no room for dissent.
Yahageshii and Ryuosho exchanged a glance. Without a word, they pivoted and began their chase.
Deep within the forest, Watchers 23 and 25 dragged their captives through dense undergrowth. Branches scratched their faces, leaving thin lines of blood as the oppressive canopy blotted out sunlight, shrouding their path in a dim, stifling gloom. All the while, the sound of pursuit grew louder, each footfall echoing like the ticking of a death clock.
"Let us go!" Myouka demanded, her voice trembling with defiance. "If you dare harm us, Shingin won't let you escape!"
Watcher 23 chuckled darkly, his tone dripping with contempt. "Oh, he's certainly a stubborn one. No matter what I throw at him, he keeps clawing his way back, always protecting you two. Especially her." He emphasized his words, casting a pointed glance at Riyugi, his expression laced with twisted amusement.
Riyugi shivered under his gaze, an ominous foreboding gripping her heart.
"Let me go!" Riyugi yelled, struggling fiercely as fire burned in her eyes. However, Watcher 25 sneered and tightened his grip, the snake-like coils around her arms constricting painfully. "Save your strength. Do you really think you have a choice?"
His voice was cold and merciless, dripping with cruelty. "Even if he does rescue you, imagine his face when he finds you missing a leg, or…" Watcher 25 paused deliberately, letting his sinister grin widen, "…your beautiful eyes gouged out and replaced with bloody holes. Do you think he'd regret chasing us?"
The words were like daggers plunging into their hearts. Myouka's face turned pale, and Riyugi felt a chilling dread sink into her bones. Despite her fear, she clenched her teeth and shouted, trembling with fury, "You wouldn't dare—"
"Oh, wouldn't I?" Watcher 23 sneered, his voice dripping with malice.
At that moment, faint rustling sounds echoed from the distance—like a silent harbinger of doom. Watcher 25's expression tightened as he whispered, "They're catching up."
Watcher 23's face grew darker, realizing time was against them. Gritting his teeth, he muttered under his breath, "Stay calm. We have hostages. They wouldn't dare risk it."