The march continued.
Boots slammed against the ground, shaking the land itself. Rage burned in their chests, belief in the hero fueling their hearts like wildfire.
Distance remaining — thirteen minutes.
Orimo ran through the chaos, eyes scanning desperately—until they locked onto a familiar silhouette.
A man in a long, dusty black coat.
Orimo's breath hitched.
He roared with everything he had.
"ASHHHHRYNNNN!!!"
The man stopped.
Slowly, he turned around.
For a brief moment, his eyes widened.
"Orimo Kuzan…?" he murmured. "How could it be?"
Orimo's arms ignited with Aegis Mantra.
THUD!
He slammed straight into Ashryn's guard, sparks exploding into the air as their arms collided.
Ashryn slid back half a step, eyes narrowing.
"How are you alive, Orimo Kuzan?"
Orimo stepped back, teeth clenched, veins pulsing.
"I will kill you… you bastard!"
He rushed again, fists coated in hardened mantra, swinging with murderous intent.
Ashryn smirked.
"Come," he said darkly.
"Devil Boy."
THUD!
Their arms crashed again, sparks scattering as Orimo growled, muscles screaming under the impact.
Ashryn shoved forward, overwhelming force pushing Orimo back.
Orimo skidded across the ground—but landed firmly on his feet.
Ashryn lunged instantly, reaching out—
SLASH!
A sharp arc of energy tore through the air, smashing into Ashryn's Aegis-coated arms.
Ashryn gritted his teeth, struggling to stabilize.
His footing failed.
BOOOOM!
He was sent flying, crashing violently into a nearby building. The impact thundered through the streets.
Dust and smoke filled the air.
Orimo stepped forward, eyes blazing with fury.
The smoke slowly cleared.
From the rubble rose Ashryn Witherfall, coat torn, dustier than ever—yet his grin remained.
"Damn you…" he snarled.
"Devil Boy."