The clash of titanic forces reverberated through the wasteland, the air itself fracturing under the strain of their power. Sukojo and the Cron x Nature Fusion stood a hundred meters apart now, their auras colliding like two storms vying for dominance. The very ground seemed alive, trembling and groaning under the weight of their presence.
Sukojo: (grinning) I hope you don't mind if I stop holding back. It's been a while since someone pushed me this far.
Cron x Nature: (voice blending into a harmonious duality) You've only survived this long because we let you.
Sukojo's laughter echoed, sharp and mocking. He raised his hand, fingers splayed, and the sky darkened unnaturally. Thin streaks of violet energy carved through the blackened clouds, swirling into a vortex above. The air became suffocating, charged with a force beyond comprehension.
Sukojo: (softly) Let's see if you can handle this.
With a snap of his fingers, the vortex above him collapsed, firing a cascade of beams toward the fused entity. Each beam carved through the atmosphere, splitting the earth below into countless fissures. Cron x Nature didn't flinch. They raised a hand, their aura forming a massive shield of interwoven light and shadow.
The beams struck the shield with deafening force, the impact radiating out in waves that obliterated everything in the vicinity. The ground was torn apart, reduced to rubble, yet the shield held firm. When the last beam faded, Cron x Nature lowered their hand, their gaze steady.
Cron x Nature: (calmly) Is that all?
Sukojo's grin widened. His hands glowed with a deep crimson light as he stepped forward. Each step shattered the ground beneath him, the raw energy emanating from his body distorting the very air around him.
Sukojo: You're good. But how long can you keep up?
Before they could respond, Sukojo vanished, reappearing behind them in an instant. His fist was already mid-swing, aimed directly at their core. Cron x Nature spun, their movements impossibly fast, and caught the blow. The resulting impact sent out a shockwave so powerful that it erased the horizon in all directions.
The two locked eyes, their auras flaring violently as they pushed against each other. Sukojo leaned in, his voice low and menacing.
Sukojo: You're not bad. But let me show you what happens when I get serious.
He twisted his body, wrenching free from their grip, and unleashed a flurry of strikes. Each punch, kick, and swipe carried enough force to shatter stars, but Cron x Nature countered with perfect precision. Their movements were fluid, their strikes precise, matching Sukojo blow for blow.
Cron x Nature: (calmly) You talk too much.
With a sudden burst of energy, Cron x Nature slammed their palm into Sukojo's chest, sending him hurtling backward. He skidded across the ground, stopping only when he dug his heels into the earth. He looked down at his chest, where a faint scorch mark glowed against his skin. His grin returned, wider than before.
Sukojo: Not bad. You've actually managed to scratch me. Congratulations.
Cron x Nature didn't respond. They raised their hand, and the ground beneath Sukojo's feet began to shift. Massive roots erupted from the earth, coiling around him like serpents. Their surfaces glowed with golden runes, pulsating with an energy that felt ancient and unyielding.
Cron x Nature: (coldly) Let's see how you handle this.
The roots tightened around Sukojo, their glow intensifying as they began to drain his energy. He grimaced, his body tensing against the force constricting him.
Sukojo: (smirking through the strain) Clever. But not clever enough.
With a burst of power, his aura erupted outward, shattering the roots into fragments. The shards hovered in the air for a moment before disintegrating into nothingness. Sukojo straightened, dusting himself off as if nothing had happened.
Sukojo: (mockingly) You'll have to try harder than that.
Before the words had even finished leaving his mouth, Cron x Nature was upon him. Their movements were a blur, faster than the eye could follow. Their fist connected with his jaw, sending him flying once more. This time, however, they didn't give him a chance to recover. They appeared above him, slamming both hands down into his chest and driving him into the ground with enough force to create a massive crater.
The dust settled, revealing Sukojo lying in the center of the crater. His body was still, his eyes closed. Cron x Nature hovered above him, their aura pulsating with victory.
Cron x Nature: (calmly) Is that it? Are you done?
For a moment, there was silence. Then, Sukojo's laughter rang out, low and chilling. He opened his eyes, his gaze locking onto theirs. Slowly, he stood, brushing the dust from his shoulders.
Sukojo: Alright.
Sukojo rose to his feet, brushing the dust from his shoulders in slow, deliberate movements. His expression was calm, almost indifferent, but his aura pulsed with a subtle, unrelenting menace.
Then, his posture shifted. He slid one foot back, planting it firmly into the fractured earth, while his front foot balanced lightly, ready to pivot. His knees bent, his body coiled like a spring, and his hands hovered near his sides, fingers curling as though grasping something unseen. His stance was precise yet primal, exuding a lethal grace that radiated unshakable confidence.
Sukojo: Domain World.
The words fell from his lips like a command, and the air around them cracked. The ground itself groaned under the weight of his presence as a ripple of energy shot outward, distorting the space around him. The sky twisted and folded in on itself, and the horizon seemed to vanish entirely.
Sukojo: Ryo World.
A deafening silence consumed the wasteland. The world as they knew it dissolved into a void of absolute blackness—beyond light, beyond shadow, beyond existence itself. There was no up, no down, no sense of distance or direction. It was not just darkness—it was a void that devoured every notion of life, light, and love. The weight of the nothingness pressed down like an eternal abyss, suffocating and relentless.
Cron staggered backward, his golden eyes wide with alarm. He instinctively moved farther away from Sukojo, his aura flaring defensively.
Cron: (thinking) Since when... and why... does Sukojo have more than one Domain World?
Nature's voice echoed within their fusion, calm but edged with unease.
Nature: (thinking) The reason Sukojo has more than one is simple. He is Sukojo.
Cron: (thinking) Makes sense...
Before Cron could act, Sukojo's voice echoed through the void, resonating from every direction. It was mocking, sharp, and inescapable.
Sukojo: Infinite Darkness.
The void deepened. Any lingering sense of hope or resistance was obliterated. Even Cron, fused with Nature and fortified by countless auras, felt the suffocating weight crush down on his soul. The void stripped away every sensation, leaving nothing but despair and the oppressive presence of Sukojo.
Sukojo: (mocking, laughing softly) Oh, what's the matter? Mighty Cron backing away? Nature, don't tell me you're scared too. Aren't you supposed to be the balance of all things?
Cron spun, his fists glowing faintly as he tried to locate Sukojo in the void. But it was futile. There was nothing—no sound, no movement, no sign of life. The oppressive emptiness swallowed everything.
Sukojo: (softly) I'm everywhere. I am the Ryo World. You don't fight me here—you endure me.
A sudden force slammed into Cron's back, sending him flying forward through the void. The impact rattled his core, his aura flickering under the weight of the blow. He spun mid-air, his hands glowing with energy, but there was nothing to strike.
Sukojo: (mocking) What's wrong? The great Cron x Nature fusion can't keep up? Pathetic.
Cron steadied himself, his golden eyes narrowing. His voice was sharp, cutting through the void.
Cron: Show yourself, Sukojo. Stop hiding in your own domain.
Sukojo's laughter echoed louder, spreading like a storm through the void.
Sukojo: (mocking) Oh, Cron. You still don't get it, do you? I'm not hiding. I'm right here. Everywhere.
Another crushing force struck Cron, this time from above, driving him downward. He hit an unseen surface, his body skidding across the void. He growled, forcing himself to his feet, his aura flickering faintly against the overwhelming presence of Sukojo.
Nature: (thinking) His power... it's not bound by his domain. He is the domain.
Cron: (thinking) Damn it. How do we fight something like this?
Sukojo: (mocking, with a chilling laugh) You don't. You survive. If you can.
The oppressive darkness grew heavier, suffocating. Sukojo's voice grew closer, almost a whisper directly in their ears.
Sukojo: (softly) And trust me... you won't.
Cron steadied himself, his golden aura flickering faintly in the crushing void. His breaths came heavy, the oppressive weight of the Ryo World pressing against his very soul. The silence stretched, broken only by the faint echo of Sukojo's laughter. It wasn't just a sound—it was everywhere, surrounding them, suffocating them.
But the truth of Sukojo's presence was far worse than it seemed. He wasn't invisible, nor was he hiding within the domain. No, Sukojo was moving—side-stepping—so fast that his very existence filled every corner of the void. To Cron and Nature, it appeared as though he was everywhere at once, his form scattered across every angle of their perception.
This wasn't Sukojo at his peak. This was his minimum speed.
Narrator: Sukojo wasn't blending into the void. He wasn't a shadow or a specter. He was there—in every place, every moment, with every step. His movements transcended the limits of mortal perception, creating the illusion of omnipresence. To see him, to grasp even a fragment of his form, would require power beyond comprehension. And in this domain, no one possessed such power except him.
Cron's eyes darted wildly, his sharp senses straining to track even the faintest hint of Sukojo. His fists glowed with golden energy, ready to strike at a moment's notice, but every attempt to pinpoint his foe was met with nothingness.
Cron: (thinking) He's not teleporting... He's moving. His speed isn't just overwhelming—it's absolute. I can't track him. No one can.
Nature's voice echoed within Cron, calm yet filled with concern.
Nature: (thinking) Even if we could track him, it wouldn't matter. At this speed, his attacks would land before we could react. He's untouchable.
A sudden gust tore through the void, and Cron felt it—the faintest brush of wind against his side. It was subtle, almost imperceptible, but it sent a chill through him. He braced himself, his aura flaring defensively.
Sukojo: (mocking, from every direction) Did you feel that? That's me, Cron. Just passing by.
Another gust followed, this one stronger, slamming into Cron's side and sending him skidding through the void. He gritted his teeth, twisting his body mid-air and landing in a crouch. His eyes narrowed, his voice sharp.
Cron: Show yourself, Sukojo. Stop running.
Sukojo's laughter echoed louder, more deranged.
Sukojo: (mocking) Running? Oh, Cron. This isn't running. This is me... walking.
Suddenly, a blur of motion filled Cron's vision. It was fleeting, barely a flicker, but it was there. Sukojo's form appeared for the briefest of moments—a distorted silhouette of raw power and malice, his smirk visible even through the chaos. Then, just as quickly, he was gone.
Cron: (thinking, tense) I saw him. For a moment... but it wasn't enough.
Sukojo's voice cut through the void, sharp and taunting.
Sukojo: (mocking) Oh? Did you catch a glimpse of me, Cron? Congratulations. Too bad you'll never touch me.
Another gust struck Cron from behind, this time with enough force to crack the ground beneath his feet. He stumbled forward, his golden aura flickering dangerously low. Nature's voice rang out, urgent.
Nature: (thinking) He's testing us. Playing with us. If we don't find a way to counter his speed, this fight is over.
Cron: (thinking) Easier said than done.
Sukojo's laughter grew louder, more menacing.
Sukojo: (mocking) What's wrong? Is the great Cron x Nature fusion running out of ideas? You're supposed to be the perfect balance, the embodiment of harmony. But here you are... struggling just to keep up with me.
Cron steadied himself, his fists glowing brighter as he focused. His voice was low, but it carried an unshakable resolve.
Cron: You're fast. I'll give you that. But speed doesn't make you invincible.
Sukojo's form appeared again, this time standing still a few meters ahead. His smirk was wide, his crimson eyes gleaming with amusement.
Sukojo: Oh? And what makes you think you can keep up with me?
Cron didn't answer. Instead, he extended his hand, and his aura flared violently. Golden and emerald energy twisted together, coiling around him like a living force. The void trembled under the weight of his power.
Cron: (thinking) If I can't match his speed... I'll have to stop him before he moves.
Nature's voice echoed in agreement.
Nature: (thinking) We'll need to use everything. No hesitation.
Sukojo raised an eyebrow, his smirk growing wider.
Sukojo: (mocking) Oh, I love it when you try. Go ahead, Cron. Impress me.
Cron's aura erupted outward, shaking the void as golden tendrils shot forward, weaving through the darkness like lightning. They converged on Sukojo, aiming to trap him before he could move. But just as they closed in, Sukojo vanished again, his voice ringing out in the distance.
Sukojo: (laughing) Too slow, Cron. Too slow.
Cron's aura surged, golden tendrils slicing through the oppressive void. They coiled and spiraled with precision, locking onto Sukojo's form. The threads of energy converged in an instant, ensnaring him in an intricate, glowing web.
Cron: Got you.
The void trembled under the force of the containment, the golden energy tightening like chains around Sukojo's figure. Cron stepped forward, his breathing heavy but controlled, his voice sharp.
Cron: (coldly) You're fast. But not fast enough to outrun this.
Nature's voice echoed with relief, though it carried an edge of skepticism.
Nature: (thinking) Is it really him?
Sukojo's form stood motionless within the golden web, his head tilted slightly, as if amused. Then, he spoke, his voice calm, almost playful.
Sukojo: (mocking) Oh, congratulations, Cron. You've finally caught me.
Cron's golden eyes narrowed, his aura flaring brighter as he tightened the trap. The void itself seemed to ripple under the strain, the chains glowing with a blinding intensity. But something felt... wrong. Sukojo's tone wasn't panicked. It wasn't strained. It was calm. Too calm.
Cron: (sternly) What's so funny?
Sukojo let out a low chuckle, the sound reverberating through the void like a taunt.
Sukojo: Funny? Oh no, this is hilarious. You're trying so hard, Cron. But... tell me. Did it ever cross your mind to check when you caught me?
Cron froze, his eyes narrowing. Nature's voice rang out sharply in his mind.
Nature: (thinking, alarmed) When?
Before Cron could respond, Sukojo's form began to dissolve. Not like a body breaking apart, but like a mirage—an afterimage—fading into the void. The golden chains clung to empty space, their light flickering weakly as they bound nothing.
Cron: (thinking, realizing) No...
Sukojo's voice echoed from all around, sharp and mocking.
Sukojo: That wasn't me. That was my afterimage. From eight minutes ago.
The void trembled as Cron's realization sank in. The sheer impossibility of what Sukojo had just revealed sent a wave of dread through him.
Narrator: Sukojo's minimum speed defied comprehension. His movements were so fast, so far beyond the limits of time and perception, that his afterimages lingered for minutes. What Cron had trapped wasn't Sukojo—it was a fragment of his presence from the past, a remnant of his overwhelming speed.
Sukojo: (mocking) You're fighting the past, Cron. And even then, you're losing. Imagine what'll happen when you face the present.
A sudden force struck Cron from behind, far stronger than before. It wasn't just an attack—it was a reminder of the impossible gap between them. Cron was sent hurtling forward, his body twisting as he skidded to a stop, his aura flickering erratically.
Nature: (thinking, urgent) His speed... it's not just overwhelming. It's time-breaking. He's moving faster than time itself.
Cron: (thinking, gritting his teeth) Damn it... this isn't a fight. It's a massacre.
Sukojo's laughter echoed louder now, filling every corner of the void. His voice carried a cruel amusement, as if he were enjoying every second of their struggle.
Sukojo: (mocking) What's wrong, Cron? I thought you wanted to fight me. But here you are, flailing around like a fish out of water. Pathetic.
Cron steadied himself, his golden aura flaring once more. His voice was sharp, cutting through the darkness.
Cron: You're fast. I get it. But speed alone doesn't win fights.
Sukojo: (mocking) Oh, Cron. You still don't understand. This isn't just speed. This is control. I'm not running from you. I'm deciding where I want to be, when I want to be there. You? You're just trying to catch up.
Another blur of motion flickered in the void, and before Cron could react, Sukojo appeared directly in front of him, his smirk wide and menacing. His crimson eyes glinted with mockery as he leaned in, his voice low and taunting.
Sukojo: (softly) Here's a tip. Stop trying. You'll only embarrass yourself more.
Before Cron could strike, Sukojo vanished again, leaving only the faint ripple of his presence behind. The void trembled under the weight of his movements, the oppressive darkness growing heavier.
Nature: (thinking) He's untouchable. At this speed, even his weakest movements are lethal.
Cron: (thinking) Then we stop him before he moves. But how?
Sukojo's voice rang out again, sharp and derisive.
Sukojo: (mocking) Oh, you think you can stop me? Go ahead, Cron. Try.
Cron steadied his stance, his golden and emerald aura flaring brighter than before. His voice was calm, but it carried a deadly edge.
Cron: I've fought gods, devils, and everything in between. You're not invincible, Sukojo. I'll find a way.
Sukojo's laughter boomed, echoing through the void like thunder.
Sukojo: (mocking) Oh, Cron. You're adorable. But let me make one thing clear.
The void trembled violently as Sukojo's aura surged, darker and more oppressive than ever before.
Sukojo: You're not fighting to win. You're fighting to survive.
Cron steadied himself, his glowing aura flickering erratically under the suffocating weight of Sukojo's domain. His breaths were heavy, his body straining against the sheer impossibility of the situation. Yet, amidst the chaos, something gnawed at him—a detail so absurd it almost defied belief.
Cron: (thinking) He's fighting Kenzo right now... in another world. And he's toying with us here? How... is that possible?
Nature's voice echoed in his mind, her tone sharp and analytical.
Nature: (thinking) It's not just his speed, Cron. Sukojo's ability to divide his focus across multiple planes of existence... It's unparalleled. His power stretches beyond the limits of any being we've encountered.
Cron's eyes narrowed as he scanned the oppressive void. His fists clenched tightly, his golden aura flaring once more as he tried to process the absurdity of the situation.
Cron: (thinking) How do you fight something like that? Someone who's already battling Kenzo—someone who can erase verses with a single attack—and still has the strength to toy with us here?
Sukojo's voice echoed suddenly, sharp and mocking, cutting through the void like a blade.
Sukojo: (laughing) Oh, you're finally thinking about it, huh? Took you long enough.
Cron's eyes snapped toward the sound of Sukojo's voice, but again, there was nothing—just the endless, crushing darkness.
Sukojo: (mocking) Yes, Cron. I'm fighting Kenzo right now. Somewhere far, far away. And guess what? I'm winning. Easily. He's throwing attacks that could delete every verse in existence, and you know what I'm doing?
A faint blur streaked past Cron, close enough to stir the void around him. He swung instinctively, his golden fist slicing through the air, but once again, he connected with nothing.
Sukojo: (laughing softly) I'm dodging them. Barely moving. And when I get bored? I tap him. Just a little flick here and there. Keeps things interesting.
Nature: (thinking) He's not lying. If he were truly exerting himself with Kenzo, his presence here wouldn't be this overwhelming.
Cron: (thinking) Then that means... we're not even his focus. He's fighting us with scraps of his attention.
Sukojo's voice grew louder, darker, resonating from every direction.
Sukojo: (mocking) Scraps? No, no, Cron. Don't flatter yourself. This isn't even a fragment of my attention. This is me stretching my minimum effort. Do you get it now? You're not fighting Sukojo at full power. You're not even fighting a fraction of me. You're fighting a moment of me.
Cron's breathing hitched, the weight of Sukojo's words pressing down like a tidal wave. The realization struck him like a hammer—this wasn't just a fight he couldn't win. It was a fight he couldn't even touch.
Nature: (thinking, urgent) Cron, if we don't act now, we'll be erased before we even see an opening.
Sukojo's laughter cut through their thoughts, sharp and derisive.
Sukojo: (mocking) Oh, you're still thinking about how to beat me? Cute. But let me tell you something, Cron. Even if you could somehow match my speed, even if you could match my power, you'd still lose. Why?
Cron didn't respond. He simply steadied his stance, his aura flaring defiantly despite the crushing odds.
Sukojo's smirk widened, his voice dripping with malice.
Sukojo: (coldly) Because you're not the main event. You're nothing more than a side quest. A little distraction while I play with Kenzo. And guess what? Even he's not worthy of my full attention.
The void around them seemed to shudder as Sukojo's aura surged, the oppressive darkness growing heavier. His presence was suffocating, his voice echoing with a cruel amusement that seemed to fill every corner of the Ryo World.
Sukojo: (mocking) So tell me, Cron. What's it feel like? Knowing you're not even worth my time?
Sukojo: (mocking) So tell me, Cron. What's it feel like? Knowing you're not even worth my time?
Cron gritted his teeth, golden energy crackling violently around his fists. Nature's voice echoed in his mind, calm yet strained.
Nature: (thinking) We need to push harder. We can't keep this up, Cron. His strength... it's endless.
Cron: (thinking) Then we push him beyond his limits. We force him to stop playing with us.
With a burst of raw energy, Cron lunged forward, his emerald and golden aura twisting into a spiraling spear around his body. The sheer intensity of his charge shattered the void in his path, the oppressive darkness trembling under his momentum. He aimed directly for Sukojo, pouring every ounce of strength into the strike.
Sukojo stood still, his smirk unfaltering, his crimson eyes gleaming with mockery. He waited until the very last moment before moving, his body tilting slightly, effortlessly sidestepping Cron's attack. The golden spiral shot past him, carving a massive rift in the darkness behind.
Sukojo: (mocking, softly) Missed again.
Before Cron could recover, Sukojo was behind him. A sharp blow to his back sent him hurtling through the void, his aura flickering dangerously. Cron landed hard, forcing himself to his feet, his breathing labored. Sukojo's mocking laughter echoed, filling every corner of the Ryo World.
Sukojo: (laughing) Oh, come on, Cron. I thought you'd be more fun than this. You're supposed to be the balance, the perfect fusion. And yet, here you are... struggling to even touch me.
Nature's voice rang out again, urgent and determined.
Nature: (thinking) Cron, focus. He's playing with us, but there's something off... something shifting.
Cron steadied himself, his gaze locking onto Sukojo, but before he could act, the void rippled violently. The oppressive darkness flickered, momentarily breaking apart before reforming. Sukojo paused, his smirk fading slightly as he glanced upward.
Sukojo: (softly, to himself) Hm? What's this?
The void rippled again, this time more violently. A faint glow emanated from the center of the darkness, pulsating rhythmically like a heartbeat. Sukojo's expression darkened, his crimson eyes narrowing.
Sukojo: (sharply) No...
The glow intensified, and suddenly, the entire Ryo World fractured, the oppressive void shattering like glass. The scene shifted abruptly, pulling everything—Cron, Nature, Sukojo—into a new space.
To Be Continued.
End Of Arc 4 Chapter 6.