Chapter 20 — Flames in the Cave, Shadows in the Palace
Inside the cave, the battle had reached its peak. Yusugo and Takiyu stood face to face, their powers shaking the stones around them, cracks spreading across the cave walls. Takiyu's dark, smoky aura had filled the entire space, while Yusugo's Emotion Blade glowed with blinding light.
Takiyu smirked wickedly.
"Yusugo, is this your famous strength? Before the shadow of Kazan Kaga, this light will fade to nothing."
Yusugo took a deep breath, his eyes blazing like embers.
"Takiyu, today… I will show you what true power born from emotions really is!"
Takiyu stretched out both hands, black spears forming and floating in the air.
"Prepare yourself, Yusugo!"
With swift steps, Yusugo formed a shield and charged forward.
"Emotion Blade — Brahmastra Strike!"
Their powers collided, sending shockwaves through the cave, stones raining down from the ceiling. Takiyu blocked the attack with his dark energy and countered, laughing,
"Your emotions… they're your weakness!"
Yusugo dodged, breathing heavily but unwavering.
"No! They are my strength!"
Takiyu's strikes became fiercer, his dark energy now consuming parts of the walls. Sweat poured from Yusugo's face, but he stood his ground. Their clash created a storm of raw energy that shook the entire underground.
---
Scene shifts — Inside the Palace
In the grand hall, Team Kaji was still interrogating Hyugi, when suddenly, a cold female voice echoed through the doors.
"Oh? Planning to escape, are we?"
Everyone turned, startled. At the entrance stood Era — tall, with long green hair and eyes glowing crimson. A mocking smile curled on her lips.
"Hyugi, defeated by these lowly Scriptors?"
Captain Rohime of Team Kaji tightened his grip on his sword.
"Era… Why are you here?"
Era pointed at them with a sharp finger.
"None of you will leave this place alive."
With a flash, she darted forward at lightning speed, striking Rohime's shield with a crackling blow. The battle ignited instantly.
Era's speed was terrifying — the soldiers of Team Kaji struck back, but their attacks only sliced through empty air. She danced between them like a phantom, her strikes precise and deadly.
At that moment, Hyugi broke free from his bindings and roared, he use his script.
"Era! The time has come. Let's finish them together!"
Era smirked wickedly, nodding.
"Come, Hyugi."
Now, the two unleashed their assault together. Their combined attack ripped through Team Kaji's defense, and the palace rang with the sounds of chaos and battle.
---
Back in the Cave
Takiyu's strength was now clearly overpowering. Yusugo, breathing heavily, struggled to keep up. Takiyu sneered.
"Yusugo, your end has come."
Gathering a massive sphere of black energy in both hands, Takiyu declared,
"Final Move — Black Destruction Wave!"
The cave quaked, stones falling around them. Yusugo summoned the last of his strength, forming a desperate shield, his body trembling from exhaustion.
As Takiyu stepped forward to deliver his finishing blow, ready to end it once and for all…
A voice echoed through the cave — powerful and commanding:
"Stop!"
Takiyu froze mid-step. His face turned pale, eyes widening in shock.
"That voice…?"
Even Yusugo, panting and weary, looked around in disbelief. The entire cave fell silent, the only sound the echo of that mysterious command.
Takiyu's face, for the first time, showed fear.
"Who… who is this…?"
From the depths of the cave, a soft light began to shine — faint but growing stronger.
And right at this moment… the chapter ends.