The air shattered as Chronos moved.
He didn't run.
He erased the distance.
Before Kenji could fully register the shift in space, Chronos's fist had already struck him. The impact exploded outward like a cannon shot, sending Kenji crashing through the air and into a nearby building. Concrete collapsed instantly, glass shattered, and the entire structure trembled as Kenji's body tore through its walls.
Kenji coughed violently, blood spilling from his mouth as he forced himself to stand. His vision blurred for a split second—but Chronos gave him no time to recover. The sky twisted once again as Chronos raised his hand, summoning his power without hesitation. Three colossal spears formed above the battlefield, their surfaces shimmering with distorted time. In the next instant, they launched downward simultaneously, tearing through the sky like divine punishment.
Kenji moved.
Not quickly—perfectly.
He twisted his body, stepped aside, and leaped forward, the spears grazing him by mere centimeters. The ground behind him froze into lifeless stillness as the spears struck, the air itself trembling from their presence.
Chronos's expression tightened.
Ten seconds had already been lost.
He clenched his hand.
"Sword of Time."
The air condensed around his palm as a blade formed—silent, invisible, yet terrifying. A sword made from time itself.
Chronos rushed forward.
The battlefield vanished in a blur as he swung the blade repeatedly, each strike capable of freezing existence itself. Kenji retreated step by step, narrowly evading each slash, his body moving on instinct alone. The sword passed so close that it distorted the air around him. But in the midst of the storm of attacks, Chronos slipped through Kenji's defense and drove his fist forward.
The punch landed.
Kenji was launched once again, this time crashing into another building with such force that the entire structure collapsed instantly. The explosion of debris swallowed him whole.
When the dust settled, Kenji stood amidst the ruins.
His body was drenched in blood.
Two ribs were shattered.
One leg was broken.
Yet his eyes remained calm.
Chronos lifted his hand once more.
Another spear began to form in the sky.
This was the end.
Kenji slowly exhaled.
He straightened his posture despite his injuries, stabilizing his breathing as he closed his eyes. For a moment, the world seemed to fall silent.
Then—
He moved.
"Universe-ending Slash."
The sword in Kenji's hand flashed.
No sound followed.
No shockwave.
No warning.
Chronos didn't even realize what had happened.
In the next instant, his body split in half.
The sky split apart.
Buildings vanished as if erased from reality itself.
The world trembled under the weight of a single slash.
Chronos's consciousness faded before he could feel pain.
Kenji stood there silently for a moment.
Then his body gave up.
He collapsed to the ground.
The battle was over.
And Kenji had barely won.
Meanwhile…
Inside the Hero Headquarters, Cosmic and Anthony searched desperately.
They moved through corridors, secret chambers, restricted areas—every place where Adrian could possibly be hidden. Doors were forced open, walls were shattered, and systems were destroyed.
But Adrian was nowhere to be found.
After several minutes of searching, only one place remained.
The basement.
As they approached the entrance, a figure appeared before them.
Edward.
He stood calmly, his hands behind his back, his expression relaxed.
"I've been expecting you two," Edward said casually. "To think you would cause me this much trouble… it's almost impressive."
Cosmic's eyes burned with rage.
"You've finally shown yourself, you piece of shit."
Edward smiled faintly.
"My, my. No need to be so emotional," he said softly. "Let's discuss this like civilized adults."
Cosmic moved instantly.
But before he could reach Edward, someone stepped in front of him.
Ella.
She stood there with a playful smile, daggers glimmering in her hands.
She tilted her head slightly and licked her lips.
"No need to be so aggressive," she said in a seductive tone. "How about we solve this matter in my room~?"
Anthony froze.
For a moment, he actually seemed to consider it.
Then his expression hardened.
"Cosmic," he said firmly. "Find the boy. I'll handle her."
Cosmic blinked.
"Are you sure you won't be sedu—"
"I'll be fine," Anthony cut him off. "I think."
Cosmic looked at him with worry.
Not normal worry.
A different kind.
After a brief pause, he nodded.
In the next instant, Cosmic teleported past Ella and vanished down the corridor.
Edward had already disappeared.
Ella turned slightly, preparing to follow Cosmic—
But Anthony moved.
He struck.
His punch flew toward her face, but Ella reacted instantly, crossing her daggers to block the attack. The impact sent shockwaves through the hallway, cracking the floor beneath them.
She smiled.
"Anthony," she whispered with a wink. "What did you think about my offer?"
"I refuse."
Anthony vanished.
In the next instant, he appeared behind her and slammed her into the ground with overwhelming force. The floor shattered under the impact, debris scattering in all directions.
Ella rolled across the ground and stood up smoothly, brushing dust from her clothes as if nothing had happened.
She stepped back slowly.
"Don't you have any shame?" she said, pretending to look hurt. "Hitting a vulnerable woman like me?"
Anthony stared at her coldly.
"I couldn't care less."