Chapter 155: Encounter
Scene: The tense corridors of the Aquarian Empire stretch endlessly ahead as Asher, Aria, and Kaida press forward. The aftermath of their battle with the three Aquarians lingers in the air, but the group knows they must keep moving. Asher leads the way, his focus sharper than ever, his steps deliberate and purposeful.
Kaida: (limping slightly) Asher, slow down. We've just been through hell, and you're charging ahead like nothing happened.
Asher: (not looking back) There's no time to rest.
Aria: (concerned) Asher, you're not yourself. Talk to us.
Asher: (his voice cold) Talking won't get us to the science facility.
Narrator: Without a word, Asher activates his Mana Burst, a ripple of energy emanating from him as he scans for any signs of mana. Aria and Kaida exchange a worried glance, feeling the intensity of his power.
Kaida: (muttering) His mana… it feels different. Stronger.
Aria: (quietly) Almost… terrifying.
Scene shifts to Eren's group moving through the central corridors. The atmosphere is oppressive, and the faint hum of malice seems to grow louder with every step. Eren suddenly stiffens, feeling a ripple in the mana around him.
Eren: (stopping) That's Asher. I can feel his Mana Burst.
Rylan: (curious) Strong, isn't it?
Eren: (serious) It's not just strong. It's… different.
Commander Elara: (cutting in) Focus on your mission, Eren. Whatever Asher is dealing with, he's capable of handling it.
Zarek: (grinning) Besides, we've got our own problems to worry about.
Narrator: As if on cue, Commander Elara's eyes narrow as she spots a faint distortion in the air—a powerful mana attack hurtling toward Eren. She reacts instantly, stepping in front of him and forming a flaming shield to block the attack.
Commander Elara: (firmly) Ambush!
Eren: (wide-eyed) What the—
Narrator: From the shadows steps a towering Aquarian, his muscular frame rippling with raw power. His blue skin glistens in the dim light, and his dark purple eyes burn with malice.
Aquarian Brute: (grinning) So, these are the so-called heroes of the South Nation? Pathetic.
Eren: (stepping forward) Who are you?
Aquarian Brute: (snarling) Aquarians have no need for names, you filthy human.
Commander Elara: (wiping her brow) Great. A brute and a philosopher.
Narrator: Without warning, the Aquarian charges at Commander Elara with explosive speed, landing a devastating kick that sends her crashing into the wall. She coughs, her aura flickering momentarily before she steadies herself.
Eren: (shouting) Elara!
Commander Elara: (gritting her teeth) I'm fine! Focus on him!
Narrator: Eren teleports behind the brute using Spatial Drift, landing a powerful punch charged with Lightning Mana. The impact sends the Aquarian stumbling forward, but he recovers almost instantly, turning to face Eren with a cold glare.
Aquarian Brute: (mockingly) Is that all you've got, little spark?
Eren: (calmly) I've got more. But I don't want to fight you.
Narrator: The Aquarian pauses for a moment, surprised by Eren's words.
Eren: (serious) You don't have to do this. Whatever Kuzan's done to you—whatever he's told you—it's not too late to stop.
Aquarian Brute: (snarling) Stop? You think we can stop? Kuzan didn't just make us stronger. He made us what we were meant to be. Superior. Unstoppable. Unlike you weaklings.
The brute raises his hand, forming a massive orb of dark purple mana that pulsates with dangerous energy.
Aquarian Brute: (coldly) Let me show you what superiority looks like.
Narrator: The brute hurls the mana orb at Eren, the force of the attack distorting the air around it. Eren reacts quickly, channeling Lightning Mana into his hands. He braces himself and catches the orb, the impact pushing him back several meters.
Eren: (gritting his teeth) Is this… all you've got?
Aquarian Brute: (smirking) Not even close.
Narrator: The brute rushes at Eren, landing a series of heavy blows. Eren counters with precise strikes, his Lightning Mana crackling around him. The two exchange attacks, their power shaking the corridor. Commander Elara rises to her feet, her Beast Mana flaring as she joins the fray.
Commander Elara: (yelling) Eren, keep him distracted!
Elara leaps into the air, her claws glowing with Flame Mana as she slashes at the brute. He blocks her attack, but the flames scorch his skin, causing him to roar in pain.
Aquarian Brute: (growling) You'll pay for that, beast!
Commander Elara: (smirking) Come and try.
Narrator: The brute switches his focus to Commander Elara, his massive fists swinging with destructive force. Elara dodges and counters with fiery strikes, her movements swift and precise. Meanwhile, Eren channels his mana into his sword, preparing for a powerful attack.
Eren: (calling out) Elara, move!
Elara dodges to the side as Eren charges forward, slashing with his lightning-infused sword. The blade connects, sending a surge of electricity through the brute's body. He stumbles but remains standing, his purple aura flaring wildly.
Aquarian Brute: (snarling) You're stronger than I expected. But not strong enough!
Narrator: The brute summons a massive wave of dark mana, the energy crashing toward Eren and Elara like a tidal wave. Elara creates a flaming barrier, but the force pushes her back. Eren teleports above the brute, slamming down with a lightning strike that shatters the wave.
Zarek: (finally stepping in) Enough playing around.
Narrator: Zarek, who has been observing the battle, steps forward, his Divine Mana glowing brilliantly. He forms a White Flame Sphere and hurls it at the brute, the attack engulfing him in a blinding explosion.
Aquarian Brute: (staggering) You… you're all…
Commander Elara: (finishing his sentence) Stronger than you thought?
Narrator: The brute collapses to one knee, his aura flickering weakly. Eren steps forward, his sword crackling with Lightning Mana.
Eren: (firmly) Surrender. This doesn't have to end in death.
Aquarian Brute: (chuckling weakly) You still don't understand, do you? We don't fear death. We were made to destroy you.
Narrator: The chapter ends with Eren and Commander Elara standing over the defeated brute, their resolve hardening as they prepare to press on deeper into the Aquarian Empire.