The ground rumbled beneath Li Wei's boots.
Er Ming stood motionless, a mountain of spirit power incarnate. His crimson eyes locked onto Li Wei with ancient wisdom and bestial instinct. No words—only the slow curl of his fingers into fists, his chest expanding like a volcano just before eruption.
Li Wei exhaled slowly. "So this is one of the the power that guarded Xiao Wu all this times after that tragedy happen." Even though the fighting not have begin, the pressure instill by the Er Ming can be said to be palpable.
He drew a card.
[KamenRide: Diend!]
Blue light exploded outward. His armor wrapped around him with its distinct chime.
But there was no time for him to breathe—Er Ming has already lunged toward him.
Boom!
The giant fist came crashing down like a meteor. Li Wei sidestepped with a burst of speed, but the shockwave still threw him backward. Showcasing the strength of the top beast.
He somersaulted midair, landing with a skid.
"Fine. Let's go all out, then."
[KamenRide: Chalice!]
A dark green-armored figure with red love shape visor emerged, dual blades slicing into a wide X that left traces of spirit energy. Chalice darted toward Er Ming, slashing with elegant footwork.
But Er Ming didn't dodge—he endured.
Just with only one slap using the back of his hand.
Chalice exploded into data fragments, dismissed in just a single blow.
Li Wei's teeth gritted. "Not even five seconds." He thought it is as expected from the top of the Star Dou Forest. He knows about it but it still left a bitter aftertaste. The target is still far from his reach.
Without any delay, he then slot another card and another then shot toward the front.
[KamenRide: Delta!]
[KamenRide: Kaixa!]
It then form a black silver and black yellow Riders that forward while flanking Er Ming instantly. Delta fired rapid photon shots, while Kaixa dashed in with bursts of speed, slicing at Er Ming's ankles.
Er Ming spun mid-attack, tail whipping into Delta and Kaixa simultaneously—cracking the ground as both Riders vanished.
"Still not enough…"
[KamenRide: Ryuki!]
A mirror shimmered to Li Wei's side. From it stepped a translucent dragon theme Kamen Rider. His weapon—Drag Saber—formed in it's hand, edge burning with mirrored flame.
Ryuki clashed directly with Er Ming, sliding under a punch and dragging the saber along the ape's ribs.
A shallow cut that can said to be equal to a nick.
That was all.
Er Ming roared—not in pain, but in approval.
His fist came down.
Li Wei dodge witha faster speed than before.
Then Li Wei activated the Illusion Card.
[AttackRide: Illusion!]
Three copies exploded out, each shooting and striking from a different angle.
Er Ming grabbed the real one from among clone using it's beastly instinct.
Boom—CRACK!
Li Wei was smashed into the earth, stones flying as he rolled across the battlefield.
He groaned, coughing dust. "Damn… it's like fighting a Spirit Douluo without mercy…"
His vision blurred. But his hand moved with habit.
[BuffRide: Ex-Aid!]
Healing light bathed him. Wounds sealed. Pain faded slightly.
He stood—barely.
"Time to go all arm out."
He then slot into the card one after another into the Diendriver.
[KamenRide: Birth!]
[KamenRide: Beast!]
[KamenRide: Accel!]
[KamenRide: Mach!]
After activating all that card, he then shoot toward the front. One after another, Riders dropped into the field.
Birth rolled in with mechanical claws and turrets. Beast summoned chimera magic—griffin claws slashing with golden light. Accel transformed into a red bike, circling Er Ming at high speed. Mach boosted behind with white streaks, firing spark-blasts from his twin cannons.
Li Wei orchestrated them like a conductor.
But Er Ming didn't block—he attacked the ground, disrupting their balance. The shockwave shattered trees, and even the summoned Riders staggered.
Er Ming's tail swept out like a guillotine, taking down Accel and Mach.
"Still holding back?" Li Wei muttered. "Then I won't."
He slot the three cards into the driver at once.
[BuffRide: Blade!]
[BuffRide: Gaim!]
[BuffRide: Kabuto!]
Sword mastery. Elemental resonance. Burst speed—Clock Up.
Time slowed.
He then activate one more card. A weapon to use.
[FinalFormRide: Blade!]
Li Wei rocketed forward faster than sound.
He ducked under Er Ming's swiping arm, dragging the big blade weapon across his thigh, then continue the attack across the opposite arm. The combo broke the fur open—blood spilled just with a drop.
Er Ming paused for the first time. Breathing heavier.
But not backing down.
[FinalFormRide: Beast!]
The golden Rider dissolved into an ornate cloak—gold, emerald, and white. Li Wei clasped it over his shoulder. Magic surged.
"Hyper Wizard—Flame Dragon Burst!"
He chanted as spell rings circled his body. Twin staffs formed, each imbued with a different elemental surge.
Fire. Ice. Wind. Lightning.
He launched into the sky, twin weapons spinning like propellers, then descended like a meteor—crashing both weapons into Er Ming's chest.
The explosion lit the night.
For a moment, silence.
Then the dust parted—and Er Ming was still standing.
On one knee.
Li Wei hit the ground, gasping, armor fracturing.
The ape didn't roar this time. He looked at Li Wei—studied him.
And gave a slow, nod-like tilt of his head.
Li Wei, panting, wiped blood from his lips. "That's a yes… right?"
Xiao Wu's eyes were wide, her voice a whisper. "He's impressed."
Er Ming reached forward.
Li Wei tensed—until the massive hand ruffled his hair. Then turned, and walked away.
The battle was over.
But something had shifted.
Xiao Wu helped Li Wei to his feet. He gave her a tired smile.
"…So, still think I'm reckless?"
She looked at him—really looked—and her smile was different now.
"No. Just… crazy enough to trust but still kind of reckless."
They stood together, watching Er Ming disappear into the forest.
Two hearts, once distant, now a little closer.