Li Ming stared expressionlessly at the black-robed figure before him. He’d just delivered slick lines and shown off, but deep down, he lacked confidence. After all, this opponent was stronger. Its ability seemed like corrosive dark power. And one thing stood out—Li Ming’s gaze drifted to the green-glowing Longsword clutched in its withered right hand. The blade radiated deep unease. His instincts warned that a single cut would bring disaster.
The Seal Barrier blocked the round, bright moon and its light. Pitch darkness reigned, lit only by an eerie green glow on streets and skyscrapers. It outlined the black-robed figure, its purple patterns shimmering unnaturally. Trees, mere silhouettes in the howling wind, writhed like monstrous claws. This oppressive scene weighed on Bai Xin and Li Ming’s hearts, as if a cold hand gripped them tight.
“Finished flirting?” End’s voice held no prior frenzy—just chilling calm, laced with malice and cruelty. Li Ming and Bai Xin sensed grave trouble. They ignored the “flirting” jab, though Li Ming felt a flicker of unease. A calm foe was far deadlier than a madman; madness had no reason.
“Since all that needed saying is done, then I ask you—” End’s words cut off as it became a streak of light, charging Li Ming. Li Ming’s pupils contracted—he hadn’t expected such speed. Just before impact, a light beam struck End, halting it. Li Ming seized the chance to dodge.
Li Ming flashed a quick “good job” gesture to Bai Xin. She nodded. “I don’t know your ability, Brother Li Ming, but your close-combat skills must surpass mine. I’ll provide support. You engage it!”
Clad in crude metal armor—barely more than a silhouette—Li Ming nodded. He swung a rough-hewn sword with fierce whooshes, aiming to counter End’s agility. The armor and blade looked shoddy because they were conjured by his power. No time for polish against a dire threat. Function over form—for now.
Battles between ability users weren’t decided by powers alone. Most fought with energy-tempered bodies in close combat, activating innate or learned skills. Others blended energy with abilities for magic-like ranged attacks—warriors and mages. Li Ming, a metal-controlling tank, was the former. Bai Xin, firing sporadic scorching beams to pin End, was becoming the latter.
End’s strikes cracked Li Ming’s armor repeatedly; he repaired it with his power. The blade never touched him, but the impacts wore him down. His armor’s inexplicable properties saved him—ordinary steel would’ve split him in half. End, aside from robe holes burned by Bai Xin, remained untouched. Their hearts sank.
“I’m telling you! This won’t work!” Li Ming’s muffled voice came from his slit-visored helmet. He swung his door-like sword at End, who lunged for the gap. Li Ming missed. “It’s taken no real damage! Its strength crushes ours! My ability’s defensive—I can only stall it. But like this, it’ll wear us down!”
Bai Xin stayed silent. Li Ming was right. Yet... would they fall first? She’d overheard the black-robed pair’s talk. If they held out until city authorities arrived, victory was theirs. She yelled to Li Ming, blocking another slash: “Holding out means victory! Their time is tighter than ours!”
As if confirming her words, Dim’s voice boomed from above: “Hurry! We’re running out of time!” End didn’t reply. It sped up, circling Li Ming.
Bai Xin frowned. Victory seemed within reach—if they stalled End until help came. But was it that simple? Another beam shot from her hand, deflecting End’s sneak attack on Li Ming’s neck. Watching its ghostly form, she recalled its calm tone. A chill ran through her, birthing deep dread.
“Hahaha, we’re winning—huh?!” Li Ming laughed. Chaos erupted! End, seemingly pinned by his sword, rocketed toward Bai Xin like a cannonball, abandoning Li Ming. Li Ming lunged to chase—but End snapped its fingers mid-air. Dark energy erupted from his armor like claymore mines, shattering it. Li Ming flew backward, spewing blood, his wheat-colored skin streaked with black.
“Brother Li Ming!” Bai Xin screamed at his crumpled form.
“Hehehehe, worried about others? You can’t save yourself!” End’s voice turned feral. It loomed before Bai Xin. She saw every robe thread, smelled its rotting stench. “I said I’d kill both of you... dead!”
The howling wind swept the dark land. Under ghostly green light, the black-robed monster’s Longsword neared the girl’s abdomen. Her eyes widened—not with fear, but boundless rage, as if she’d tear it apart.
Time froze. The next instant, the blade would pierce her. Cold Night Feather sighed, hand raised to act—then lowered it. For she saw a light—a golden, majestic light.
