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The Rift in Teamwork
The battle between Wukong, Ikigai, and Fujin continued to rage across the ravaged landscape. While the tension was palpable, one thing was certain—there was a lack of cooperation between the two gods.
Ikigai, standing tall amidst the battlefield, his form enveloped in a dark, swirling Domain of shadows, smirked. "Fujin, don't stand in my way."
Fujin, still adjusting to the chaotic winds surrounding him, shot a frustrated glare. "I'm not your ally!" His voice thundered as he summoned a storm of gale-force winds, but his attack was too slow and erratic. The wind god was hardly able to synchronize his movements with Ikigai's.
Meanwhile, Wukong had already dodged Fujin's attack. Even though his body was still feeling the strain of unlocking his 5% power, his instincts were sharp. The golden aura surrounding him flickered, but it was enough to keep him in the fight.
"You two can't even keep up with each other, can you?" Wukong laughed, his voice mocking. Despite his injuries and the curse restricting his power, his confidence was unmistakable.
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Ikigai's Domain: Unyielding Darkness
Ikigai's shadow was far from ordinary. His Domain expanded with each passing moment, creating a twisted, darkened world around him. The very space around Wukong began to warp, distorting reality with shadowed illusions.
Wukong blinked. The surroundings shifted—one moment, the mountains were there, the next, they had disappeared completely.
"It's useless to fight in this space, monkey." Ikigai's voice echoed from all directions. "In my Domain, you are nothing."
But Wukong's eyes sharpened. "A Domain, huh?"
This was dangerous. Ikigai could manipulate reality inside his Domain, creating an advantageous battlefield where Wukong's power felt suppressed.
Fujin, meanwhile, was struggling to keep his attacks effective. His winds, although strong, couldn't form a coherent attack in the midst of Ikigai's chaotic environment. The uncontrolled gusts collided with Ikigai's dark energies, making Fujin even more frustrated.
"You're a fool, Fujin." Ikigai said coldly. "Get out of my way. You're just slowing me down."
Fujin's eyes flashed with rage, but he held back. He knew that Ikigai's shadow was far more dangerous than he could handle alone.
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Wukong's Struggle
Inside the swirling chaos of Ikigai's Domain, Wukong found it hard to focus. The air around him was dense with shadowy illusions—hallucinations of his past, tricks that made him doubt his senses.
He took a deep breath, trying to center himself, but his body was still feeling the strain of unlocking even 5% of his power. The curse on him remained a constant weight.
"This is it. I have to push further." Wukong muttered to himself, refusing to be consumed by the swirling shadows.
He focused inward, calling upon the core of his magic, and the golden aura flickered, starting to expand once more. The strain on his body was immense, but his will was stronger.
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Fujin's Anger
Fujin, who had been caught in the chaos of Ikigai's Domain, lashed out once more with furious winds. He conjured up a massive whirlwind, attempting to fight through the illusionary environment, but it wasn't enough. His attack barely touched the darkened realm around them, dissipating into nothingness.
"Dammit!" Fujin yelled. "I can't fight in this space!"
Wukong, seeing Fujin's frustration, decided it was time to make a move. He teleported to Fujin's side, barely avoiding a stray blast from Ikigai's Domain that ripped through the mountain.
"Hold on. I'll handle this." Wukong said quickly, moving to intercept the next blast from Ikigai.
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Wukong vs. Ikigai: A Test of Willpower
Ikigai's laugh echoed throughout the Domain. "You think you can fight me here? This is my world, monkey."
Wukong didn't respond. Instead, he focused his aura into his palm, unleashing a burst of golden light that shattered the illusions around him. The light pushed back the dark shadows that had been clouding his senses.
Wukong's body surged forward, his strength rising as the 5% power began to manifest in full force.
The golden energy spiraled outward, pushing back against Ikigai's shadow with incredible force. The god's Domain flickered and wavered as Wukong strained against it.
"I don't care about your Domain!" Wukong roared, his golden aura blazing. "You're nothing but a shadow."
The ground beneath them cracked, and a shockwave reverberated through the land, shaking both Fujin and Ikigai.
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The Battle Reaches a Breaking Point
For a brief moment, Ikigai faltered. His Domain began to lose its grip on the world, and Wukong was able to push through, breaking the illusionary hold.
Ikigai growled in anger. "Impossible."
But Wukong wasn't done. With a burst of power, he charged forward, his fists crackling with golden energy, aiming for Ikigai's chest.
Ikigai reacted quickly, shifting his form into shadow, but Wukong was already prepared. The golden aura around him surged once more, forcing Ikigai back.
Fujin, witnessing the power clash between the two, finally found his voice. "Enough!"
In his frustration, Fujin unleashed an even more devastating windstorm, desperate to finally force a conclusion to the fight. But the winds were chaotic, and they clashed violently with the powers of Ikigai and Wukong.
The three gods—Ikigai, Fujin, and Wukong—stood at the edge of their limits, the battle reaching its climax.
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To Be Continued…