The battlefield lay in shambles, dust and energy crackling in the air. Dave Igneel stood tall, unyielding, as both King D and Wu-Ji lay battered and defeated. King D's massive form had collapsed after Dave's crushing blow, and Wu-Ji, bloodied and gasping, had been thrown back to the base of the Five Savior Statue.
Dave (calmly):
"I don't want to finish you. Not like this. Unless, of course, you insist on continuing."
Wu-Ji coughed, blood staining his lips as his vision blurred. Memories flooded his mind—a flashback to his training under the legendary masters, the countless battles fought beside the other saviors, and the promise they had all made to protect humanity at all costs.
Wu-Ji (in his mind):
"Is this really the end? Have we truly failed?"
But then, something shifted deep within him.
As Dave turned his back, prepared to leave, Wu-Ji's body began to glow. His golden Zodiac energy surged, lighting up the battlefield. His eyes opened, now blazing with a brilliant golden hue, and his hair began to grow wildly, extending to an astonishing five meters. His body expanded, muscles rippling with power as he rose to an imposing three meters tall.
Wu-Ji (his voice echoing, otherworldly):
"You think this is over? This is only the beginning."
His Infinity Crossblade, lying shattered on the ground, suddenly reformed, breaking apart and merging into a pair of glowing gauntlets that encased his hands. The air around him crackled with lightning, and his movements became a blur, faster than the eye could follow.
Before Dave could react, Wu-Ji appeared in front of him in a flash of light, moving at lightning speed. His first strike landed with the force of a thunderclap, sending Dave reeling. Each punch from the gauntlets was a devastating blow, infused with both lightning energy and Zodiac power, cutting through even Dave's formidable defenses.
Dave (gritting his teeth, blood pouring from a wound):
"Impressive... but you're still not enough to stop me!"
Dave retaliated with a devastating blow of his own, but Wu-Ji was already gone, moving too fast to be tracked. With a series of rapid strikes, Wu-Ji drove Dave back, each hit leaving deep cuts and burns across his body.
Unleashing the Ultimate Move
Realizing he could no longer hold back, Dave gathered his energy, his aura flaring to monstrous levels. He raised his hands, summoning a terrifying surge of power.
Dave (roaring):
"Un aperçu de Dieu!"
("A Glimpse of God!")
The attack was cataclysmic. A beam of pure energy erupted from Dave, tearing through the battlefield and carving a massive scar into the ground. Even Wu-Ji was momentarily thrown off balance, his golden aura flickering.
Dave stumbled, his body bleeding profusely from the relentless assault. But just as he prepared to deliver a finishing blow, a new presence made itself known.
A rift tore open in the sky, its light blinding. From within stepped the Northern Queen, her regal presence commanding attention. She was clad in icy armor, her long white hair flowing like snow in the wind. Her staff glimmered with frost, and the air around her turned freezing cold.
Northern Queen (calmly, yet stern):
"That's enough, Dave Igneel. This fight is over."
Wu-Ji and Dave both paused, their attention drawn to her. The battlefield fell silent as her gaze swept over the destruction. She stepped forward, her eyes narrowing on Dave.
Northern Queen:
"You've proven your strength, but it's time to end this madness. There are greater threats than your pride."
Dave straightened, wiping the blood from his mouth. His expression shifted, the fire in his eyes dimming slightly as he regarded the Northern Queen.
Dave (grinning faintly):
"You always did know how to ruin my fun."
With the Northern Queen's arrival, the tension shifted. Wu-Ji's glowing form dimmed slightly, his energy stabilizing. Dave, though battered, seemed to calm, his fighting spirit momentarily subdued.
Wu-Ji (still catching his breath):
"Who... who are you?"
The Northern Queen turned to him, her gaze softening.
Northern Queen:
"I am someone who has seen what lies beyond these rifts. And trust me, savior, your fight is far from over."
Her words hung in the air, leaving both Wu-Ji and Dave with more questions than answers. The clash had ended,