Lightning Ryuosho stood amidst a storm of lethal intent, resembling a thunder god descending upon the mortal realm. His figure was encased in lightning, each bolt spiraling like a raging dragon, roaring with an aura that pierced the soul. The rumble of thunder reverberated deeply, as if echoing from the depths of the heavens—not merely the crackling of electricity, but the bellow of dragons tearing through the skies, striking straight into the heart.
His gaze was sharp as a blade. At his slight movement, the spiraling thunder dragons roared forward as if commanded, hurtling toward Lazy Ryuosho with devastating ferocity. The violent energy of lightning surged through the air, igniting an unseen storm. Each dragon carried the power to annihilate, surging with unstoppable force to obliterate and tear the target into nothingness.
Lightning Ryuosho's expression was ice-cold, and his outstretched finger pointed at Lazy Ryuosho as if delivering a judgment.
"Thunderous Roar—!!" His low growl echoed through the stifling air like a summons to the forces of heaven and earth, a deafening decree.
In an instant, the lightning dragons roared across the heavens, their radiant brilliance piercing the darkened sky and ripping it apart. The ground quaked beneath the rolling thunder, and the air became suffused with a searing energy, as though even the earth trembled before this overwhelming might.
Opposite him, Lazy Ryuosho stood in the eye of the storm, his gaze flickering slightly. Though his demeanor remained calm and composed, a glint of gravity flickered in his eyes. The oppressive force bearing down on him was as heavy as a mountain, but he did not retreat. Instead, he raised his hand lightly, conjuring a barrier of ghostly blue lightning that rapidly enveloped him. The barrier, glowing faintly, was like a dome that shielded him entirely. The intricate patterns of lightning resembled a sealing array, seemingly capable of repelling any destructive force.
"Come," he murmured, his confidence in his barrier unwavering.
The thunder dragons crashed down with annihilating force onto Lazy Ryuosho's electric barrier. Lightning Ryuosho's eyes remained as sharp as knives, a cold killing intent flashing through them. He stood like a deity amidst the tempest, commanding the fury of the storm with sovereign authority.
"Boom—!"
The collision of thunder dragons against the lightning barrier was akin to the shattering of heaven and earth. A deafening explosion erupted, and blinding electric light engulfed everything. The space around them seemed to warp and distort under the immense pressure, and shockwaves reverberated with the roar of thunder, scattering fragments of earth and stone into the violent storm.
Lightning splintered outward like countless serpents, writhing frantically as they tore through the air. The thunderous roar reverberated, leaving ears ringing and hearts trembling, as though the entire world bowed to this overwhelming destruction.
Lazy Ryuosho's heart sank. These thunder dragons were no ordinary lightning; they seemed imbued with a tangible, metallic force. He thought grimly, This thunder… it feels like metal…
But before he could ponder further, the spiraling thunder dragons suddenly fragmented, dispersing into countless fine beams of lightning that rained down with the fury of heaven's wrath. The first bolt struck his barrier like a blade, shaking the very space around it. Then came the second, then the third, a relentless storm of attacks like a torrential downpour.
"Crack—"
The barrier, unable to withstand the unrelenting assault, emitted a sharp cracking sound before shattering into countless fragments of electric light. Lazy Ryuosho frowned, lightning rumbling at his feet as he swiftly retreated. Despite his speed, the pursuing lightning beams moved even faster.
"Shhh—"
A beam of lightning slashed past his left shoulder, searing pain flaring instantly along with the acrid smell of burnt flesh. A long, scorched wound appeared on his shoulder, the pain gnawing at his nerves like fire. Though he forced his expression to remain neutral, a trace of cold anger flickered in his furrowed brow.
Lightning continued to scatter in all directions, suffocating energy waves saturating the air. Each bolt carried an unyielding resolve for destruction, shredding the surroundings into fragments.
"Damn it!" he cursed under his breath, pushing past the pain as he retreated further. But the thunder dragons pursued him with relentless determination, their aim unerring.
Lightning Ryuosho's gaze never wavered, fixed on Lazy Ryuosho's every move. Cold and unyielding, he controlled the storm with absolute precision, directing each dragon with an iron will.
"Think you can run?" His voice was low, filled with a crushing dominance.
Lazy Ryuosho gritted his teeth, his body transforming into a streak of electric blue light. But the thunder dragons outpaced him, forcing him into desperate evasive maneuvers mid-air. Each dodge brought him dangerously close to being struck, yet the relentless pursuit continued, turning the battlefield into an electrified sea.
The clash of lightning illuminated the battleground like day. This was a duel of pure lightning, every bolt charged with apocalyptic force. The low rumble of thunder resonated through the heavens and earth, as though cheering for this ferocious confrontation.
From a distance, Biyu watched the earth-shattering battle. The thunder and lightning above were like a descent of the apocalypse, shaking the ground itself. The dragons' roars and explosive brilliance were almost blinding, sending a shiver through her heart. She glanced at Shizuha beside her, noticing the pale face and vacant eyes of her companion, seemingly paralyzed with fear.
"She can't stay here." Biyu clenched her teeth, gripping Shizuha's shoulders as she guided her to a nearby hiding spot among the ruins. Though dilapidated, it provided enough cover from the danger. Ensuring Shizuha was safely tucked away, Biyu reassured her gently, "Stay here and don't come out."
Shizuha shrank back, nodding timidly. Biyu patted her hand before turning back to the sky.
Massive bolts of lightning split the clouds, illuminating the city's desolate ruins. Biyu stared at the chaos, a complex mix of emotions welling up within her.
"They're all back…" she murmured to herself, a fleeting smile forming at her lips before her expression hardened. "If they've returned to this city, then that must mean—"
Her gaze sharpened, a long-buried name surfacing in her mind.
Shingin must have returned too.
Flooded by memories of long-past reunions, her heart was pulled by an overwhelming desire to see him again. The longing that had been suppressed for so long surged forth like an unstoppable tide.
Taking a deep breath, she cast one last look at the raging battle before resolutely turning away.