The Battlefield of Shadows
A violent shockwave tore through the ruined valley. Sakata stood alone, facing Tym and Xandros. The two Dark Army elites had tracked him down after discovering the time-slowing device he placed in the Demon Lord's chamber.
Xandros roared and lunged, his arms transforming into massive claws.
"You damn monk! What are you scheming?!"
Sakata caught the blow with his bare hands and redirected the force into the ground, shaking the battlefield.
"Scheming? I just slowed down your boss's nap."
Tym adjusted his glasses, standing calmly behind Xandros.
"You're stalling for time. You wouldn't face us both unless you had a plan."
Sakata smiled and twirled his staff.
"Maybe I do. Maybe I don't."
With a blur, he vanished—then reappeared mid-air, slamming his staff down. Xandros blocked, but the sheer force drove him into the ground. The battle had begun.
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The Awakening of Juichi
At the Hidden Celestial Temple, Juichi trained furiously. He was drenched in sweat, breathing heavily. The clone of Sakata watched silently.
"You're holding back," the clone said.
"I've tried everything!" Juichi snapped. "My body can't handle the first stage of Power On!"
The clone raised a hand and flicked golden energy toward Juichi's chest. A burning force surged through him—his veins lit up in blue and gold.
"What... is this?" Juichi gasped.
"A temporary version of Power On. We'll call it Substitute Mode. It's weaker—but safer."
Juichi clenched his fists as energy crackled around him. It felt stable. Controlled.
The clone smirked. "Good. Now show me what you can do."
Without warning, the clone attacked.
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Sakata vs. the Dark Peers
Back on the battlefield, Sakata dodged a blast of dark energy. Tym began chanting.
"Domain Expansion: Corridor of Dark Phantoms!"
A thick black mist swallowed the area, warping reality into a twisting illusion. Shadows danced. Voices echoed.
"You're trapped now," Tym said, voice everywhere at once. "Let's see if you can survive."
Sakata closed his eyes, breathing calmly.
"You really think a little fog scares me?"
His energy exploded outward—dispersing shadows with raw force.
The real fight was only just beginning.
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To be Continued ...