The atmosphere was heavy, almost suffocating. The electricity in the air crackled under the weight of the imminent battle. Ikku stood still, ready to attack, but a question haunted him: how could he land a hit on his opponent?
At first glance, his Brand lets him generate electricity... he thought, scrutinizing Dégane. But what category does it belong to? Tss... too bad Kenny isn't here. He would have come up with a strategy... He shook his head, refocusing. No! I can't rely on others. I have to protect them!
Without hesitation, Ikku lunged at Dégane, who remained motionless, ready to receive the attack.
— You've got guts, kid, Dégane said with a smirk.
Ikku threw a powerful punch, but Dégane effortlessly dodged, leaping over him. In one fluid motion, Dégane extended his hand, already crackling with electricity, ready to strike. But at the last moment, a chain shot out, grazing his face and leaving a sharp cut on his cheek. Caught off guard, he didn't have time to land before Ikku's punch connected squarely with his torso. The impact sent him flying several meters, slamming into a wall that collapsed under the force, burying him beneath the rubble.
— Perfect! Ikku shouted, raising his fist in triumph. Nice teamwork, Carla!
— Thanks, but stay on guard, she replied, scanning the debris. I doubt it's over.
— Yeah, I can still sense his spiritual energy.
Nearby, Yumé, who had taken a moment to recover, slowly pushed himself up.
— How are you feeling? Carla asked, stepping closer.
— I'll be fine… His attack was strong but not lethal. No lasting damage, Yumé reassured, gritting his teeth.
Ikku joined them, determination burning in his eyes.
— This fight won't be easy… But I have a plan. Listen carefully.
Before he could explain, a powerful shockwave erupted from the rubble, sending debris flying in all directions. Dégane emerged, almost unscathed, only a few scratches marking his body. His expression was colder, more menacing.
— So, you can control spiritual energy and even wield Brands... A shame I have to kill you. Unfortunately, there's no other way, especially now that you've made me angry!
With a swift motion, he hurled a lightning bolt at them. Ikku and his friends dodged just in time.
— We've figured out your Brand, Yumé mocked. You won't get us that easily again!
Dégane grinned wickedly.
— I see… But you know, Brands aren't the only way to fight.
He pulled a scroll from his pocket and, in a steady voice, began to chant:
— "Mist of sorrow, take my pain, distant light, forever wane. Endless grief, a bond unbroken, in anguish deep, my soul is spoken! Mantra Level 4: Rain of Despair!!"
The scroll glowed with an eerie green light, unleashing a storm of energy beams that rained down in a devastating arc.
— Shield yourselves! Ikku yelled in panic.
The attack struck everything within range, leveling what remained of the area and raising a blinding cloud of dust.
— Mantras can be powerful weapons if you know how to use them, Dégane chuckled. Spells don't always kill, but they can be dangerous enough to knock you out.
As the dust settled, Ikku and Yumé lay on the ground, dazed... All except Carla, who struggled to her feet, trembling but still standing.
— You resisted my attack? Dégane asked, surprised.
— My chain protects me from any attack, she replied, clenching her fists.
— I see… That's quite the handy ability. Anyway, best to finish you off before Shu arrives.
— So there's another one coming? Carla thought. I need to end this quickly…
Without hesitation, her chain lashed toward Dégane. He dodged every strike, closing the distance with each step. Once within reach, he launched a punch at her. But before it could land, her chain coiled around his arm.
— I think you didn't get it, she smirked. My chain can block any attack.
Dégane burst into laughter.
— No, I think you didn't get it.
He unleashed his spiritual energy, sending a surge of electricity through the chain and into Carla. The violent shock coursed through her, making her scream in agony before she collapsed to the ground.
— Your chain conducts electricity, idiot, Dégane scoffed. Now, time to deal with the rest of you…
He approached Ikku and Yumé, preparing to finish them off. But suddenly, he stopped. Something was wrong. He was seeing double. Two Yumé stood before him, but Ikku was nowhere in sight.
— Where's the oth—
He never got to finish his sentence.
Before he could react, before anyone could perceive the movement, his body had already been hurled through the air. He crashed through several buildings before finally hitting the ground, unconscious.
Yumé slowly stood up, making his clone vanish. Carla, still trembling, turned her gaze toward Ikku. They had only heard a sudden sound, and in the next moment, Dégane was down. But when they turned their heads, they immediately understood what had happened.
Ikku stood before them, his body glowing with a red aura. His skin had darkened slightly, and his eyes shone a deep crimson.
— Ikku… is that you? Carla asked, worried.
Ikku slowly turned his head toward them, his gaze heavy and intense. For a moment, he said nothing. Then, a grin spread across his face, and he raised two fingers in victory.
— Yep! I present to you my Brand: Turbo!
— Woooah… Yumé gasped in admiration. That's incredible! What does it do?
— Well, simply put, when I'm in this state, all my physical abilities and reflexes are massively enhanced, Ikku explained as he returned to normal. But I can only maintain it for about five minutes.
— In any case, your plan worked, Carla sighed in relief.
— Yeah. Now let's see how Master Zéno is doing, Ikku said.
— Right! the others replied.
They stepped outside the ruined building and scanned the area for Zéno.
— Do you see him? Ikku asked, eyes darting around.
— No, Carla replied, searching as well.
Yumé was about to answer when something made him freeze.
— Look over there! he shouted, pointing.
Ikku and Carla followed his gaze… and their breath caught in their throats at what they saw.