Shingin's body raced through the air like a tempest, the flow of wind encasing his limbs. Each spin and leap carried explosive power, his sword gleaming with sharp precision. Wind blades sliced through the air, tearing apart the assaults coming his way. Behind him, the watchers surged like a tide, steadily tightening their encirclement. His space to maneuver was rapidly shrinking.
"Catch him!" Watcher 21 roared, swinging his massive arms. A violent shockwave erupted from his body, aiming to dispel the currents of wind and force Shingin into vulnerability.
Shingin's sharp eyes locked onto the incoming shockwave. Quickly calculating its trajectory, he stepped aside with a swift wind-fueled motion, narrowly avoiding the devastating attack. In midair, he countered, his water sword striking back. The blade's energy slashed through the air like a blue streak of lightning.
Boom!
The collision of sword energy and shockwave echoed loudly, sparks scattering in the air.
Using the rebound from the exchange, Shingin quickly distanced himself from Watcher 21's range. Yet before he could stabilize, another threat emerged. Watcher 25's venomous snake lashed out from the ground, its fangs and coiled body striking toward his legs.
At this point, Shingin's reflexes reached their limits. Rather than retreat, he accelerated his steps, the wind flow propelling him higher into the air, evading the serpent's attack. Its tail grazed his calf but failed to latch on.
"Impossible. How is he this fast?" Watcher 25 squinted, a trace of unease surfacing in his expression.
Despite his skillful dodges, Shingin's exhaustion was becoming apparent. The relentless attacks left him no room to breathe. Each move drained his strength, his muscles aching from overuse. Though the power of wind still surged within him, he felt his control slipping under the strain.
If I fall... what will happen to Shizuha and Mom?
The thought pierced his mind. Shingin forced himself to take a deep breath, shifting focus and steadying his nerves.
But time wasn't on his side. The enemies pressed harder, their coordination impeccable, tightening the noose.
Just as despair loomed, a surge of energy erupted from within Shingin. That familiar sensation, his alien soul, stirred once more, granting him a renewed glimmer of hope.
His eyes widened as a low growl echoed in his mind. The wind's power roared to life, more ferocious than before. Shingin's arms slashed through the air, conjuring a storm that engulfed the surroundings. Wind blades poured forth like a meteor shower, scattering in every direction.
"Reckless fool!" Watcher 20 couldn't hold back any longer, charging toward Shingin. Using his overwhelming strength, he aimed to knock Shingin out of the skies.
"Not a chance!" Shingin bellowed, propelling himself higher with a burst of wind. The two clashed in midair, their collision sending shockwaves rippling outward.
Blades of wind met fists of steel, sparking a violent explosion of air currents. Shingin delivered a precise strike to Watcher 20's chest, his water blade forcing the enemy to retreat dozens of meters.
Wasting no time, Shingin seized the opportunity and soared higher, attempting to distance himself from the enemies and regain his footing. His gaze burned with determination, his mother's voice echoing in his mind: You must come back safe.
However, Shingin's escape wasn't seamless. As he ascended, Watcher 21 suddenly crashed down from above, his massive fists carrying the weight of an avalanche. The ensuing shockwave roared through the air, aiming to tear Shingin from his path.
Attempting to react, Shingin found his wind disrupted. His movement faltered for a fraction of a second—long enough for Watcher 21's fist to strike. The impact felt like a mountain collapsing onto him.
Thud!
Shingin's body was flung to the ground with immense force, leaving a crater in the earth. Blood spurted from his lips, his vision blurred. His chest heaved as he struggled against the searing pain, willing himself to rise despite every muscle screaming in agony.
"Just a bit longer…" Shingin muttered under his breath, forcing his legs to steady. Clutching his water sword, his grip tightened, and the unyielding light in his eyes reignited. The wind flowed around him once more, though it carried a strained ferocity.
He looked toward the horizon, his mind filled with the image of his mother's gentle smile—a guiding light that pushed him forward.
"I… can't fall here!" Shingin growled, his voice laced with defiance. The sharp edge of his blade gleamed with renewed energy as he mustered every ounce of strength left.
The windstorm grew fiercer, ravaging the battlefield. Shingin's figure stood tall amidst the chaos, bloodied but unbroken, determined to break through the encirclement.
"This is the final line… I cannot retreat!"
Within the storm, his solitary silhouette fought on, relentless against the overwhelming odds.