Saruto and Rhyn simultaneously unleashed their power, and the world trembled with its sheer force. In a flash, the two charged toward each other, their swords clashing, unleashing waves of violent wind with every blow.
They exchanged blows with frenetic speed, each impact tearing the air apart. Saruto delivered a sharp sideways strike with one of his swords, slamming directly into Rhyn's sword, forcing Rhyn's hand upwards. In an instant, Saruto gave his opponent no respite, thrusting his second sword into Rhyn's chest, tearing through the flesh and leaving a gaping gash.
Rhyn staggered backward, pressing against the wound, his teeth clenched in pain. But Saruto was not one to let his opponents rest.
In a single, swift motion, he released both swords, and they shot toward Rhyn, following him wherever he went. Ryan tried to dodge, shifting from position to position, but the two swords relentlessly pursued him, changing direction with every step he took.
Finally, Ryan was forced to block the swords with his own, using his wings to alter their trajectory. The moment he created an opening, he charged at Saruto with incredible speed, his sword enveloped in a blazing aura. He roared twice, "This is the end for you, Saruto!"
But Saruto… laughed. He undid his sword formation in an instant. Ryan's strike was about to hit him. Saruto reached out and, in a single fist, caught Ryan's sword. The scene froze. Lucien and Kyle's eyes widened in astonishment, and even Ryan himself couldn't believe what had just happened.
Before Ryan could process the shock, Saruto moved. He landed a swift blow to Ryan's stomach, followed by a powerful kick to his face that sent him flying. Still flying, Saruto gathered immense energy in his hand, aimed it at Ryan, and unleashed it without hesitation. The deadly wave surged forward with terrifying speed.
Kyle and Lucien moved at the same moment, about to intervene, but a veil of darkness lifted from the ground, immobilizing them. "Saruto! Are you trying to kill Ryan?!" Kyle cried.
"No… I want him to evolve. Watch what happens." Saruto replied, without looking up, "Before the blow could strike Ryan, a tremendous burst of energy erupted from him, and a deafening roar ripped through the sky. His form completely transformed, becoming a giant dragon, which deflected Saruto's attack with a single wing stroke.
Kyle and Lucien recoiled in astonishment, while Saruto laughed, his face beaming with satisfaction. "This is what I wanted to see," he said aloud.
Rain let out another roar, its echo reverberating throughout the world, then said in a deep voice, "Thank you, Saruto… I wouldn't have evolved without you."
Saruto replied calmly, "No need to thank me… but you haven't fully evolved yet."
"What do you mean?" Rain asked, surprised.
Saruto took a step forward and said, "Do you want to fight me in this form?" "Take on the form of the hybrid, Rhyn."
"And how do I do that?" Rhyn asked sharply.
"Control your instinct," Saruto smiled.
"Instinct?" Rhyn frowned.
"Yes," Saruto replied. "Fusion your hunger for battle with the dragon's instinct."
"And what is the dragon's instinct?" Rhyn asked.
Saruto's smile widened. "The desire to fight... and crush your opponent."
Rhyn closed his eyes and began to apply the technique. His aura enveloped his entire body, and his energy began to overflow. Then, his body gradually shrank, taking on a human form, but something was different. He opened his eyes, and a tremendous burst of energy, accompanied by a blinding light, erupted from him.
When the light disappeared, Rhyn reappeared in his hybrid form, his body covered in scales, his eyes those of a dragon. Saruto smiled admiringly. "Blessed be you, Rhyn."
"Thanks to you," Rhyn thanked him sincerely.
Saruto replied in a tone "How about you test this form against me?" he challenged.
"All right, you can!" Ryan laughed.
In a moment of complete shock, Saroto found himself face to face with Ryan, who landed a direct blow to his stomach, sending him flying. Saroto clutched his stomach in pain, trying to regain his balance, but Ryan was already on top of him. He delivered a powerful blow to his back, knocking him to the ground, unable to get up.
Ryan opened his mouth and began to gather a massive fireball, then shot it out. It slammed into Saroto, creating a huge explosion, and dust rose to cover the entire area. Ryan grinned, thinking he had won. But when the dust settled… he froze.
Saruto emerged, blood trickling from his mouth, covered in astrazyne. He wiped away the blood and said, "Don't look at me like that, Ryan." From the very beginning… our fight was to determine who possessed the strongest Astrazine.
Saruto formed the Astrazine sword and swung it steadily, then said in a quiet but commanding voice, "Come on, Ryan… activate the Astrazine. Let's fight with this skill."