NOVEL WEB Chapter 28: Akira vs Asashi I
The two Otsutsuki were hovering in the air, their disdainful gazes sweeping over the crowd of hunters below. Their faces, displaying a cold and inhuman beauty, bore haughty expressions betraying their sense of absolute superiority.
The elder of the two, his long silver hair floating in the breeze, let out a contemptuous laugh. "What a welcome," he said, his voice as sharp as ice. His younger companion stood by his side, his pale eyes scanning the mass of hunters as if they were insects.
"Since it's your mission, I'll let you handle it," the elder continued, turning his head slightly towards his companion. "You better not tarnish the clan's name, Asashi."
Asashi nodded slightly in agreement, a cruel smile forming on his lips. "Don't worry, Lord Kinshiki. These vermin pose no challenge."
Down below, Ethan, Steeven, and the president of the Hunters Association, Smith, stepped forward. Their auras, powerful for humans, seemed insignificant compared to that of the Otsutsuki.
"You dare intrude on our territory," thundered Smith, his voice carrying far despite the chaos. "We won't let you do as you please!"
Asashi slowly descended until he was just a few meters above the ground, his white cloak billowing around him. "Such presumptuous words for such insignificant beings," he replied condescendingly.
"And I think you're way too arrogant," intervened Ethan. Without warning, he leaped forward, his fist striking towards Asashi. The Otsutsuki didn't flinch, simply raising two fingers. The fist stopped just inches from his face, held back by an invisible force.
"Pathetic," murmured Asashi.
With a negligent gesture, he pushed Ethan away, sending him flying backwards with incredible force. The president and Steeven then launched themselves, followed by a wave of elite hunters. Meanwhile, monsters began to emerge from the portal, pouring into the streets of Washington.
The ensuing battle was of unprecedented violence. The hunters, despite their bravery and experience, seemed powerless against Asashi's overwhelming power. He moved with a lethal grace, dodging attacks as if they were in slow motion, countering with devastating techniques that sent his opponents flying like dead leaves.
Ethan, getting up laboriously, focused his energy. A golden aura enveloped him, making the air around him vibrate. "Destructive Fist!" he shouted.
The attack shot towards Asashi, slicing through the air with a shrill whistle. The Otsutsuki, for the first time, seemed to take the threat seriously. He raised his hand, creating a dark energy barrier that blocked the attack with a deafening crash.
"Impressive... for a human," he admitted. "But totally inadequate."
In response, he unleashed a wave of pure energy that swept through the area, sending the hunters flying in all directions. The president, attempting a surprise attack from behind, was abruptly halted by an invisible barrier and thrown against a building with devastating force.
Meanwhile, the other hunters fought desperately against the endless stream of creatures emerging from the portal. These monsters, grotesque and terrifying, seemed never-ending. The streets of Washington quickly turned into an apocalyptic battlefield, where the fighters' cries mingled with the creatures' roars.
From his perch, Kinshiki watched the scene with total detachment, as if he were witnessing a particularly boring show. His eyes, however, scanned the surroundings regularly, as if searching for something... or someone.
The battle raged on, but the difference in power was glaring. Asashi completely dominated the confrontation, his movements becoming increasingly destructive as his boredom grew. The hunters, despite their courage and determination, fell one after the other, unable to face such power.
In the shadow of a nearby building, invisible to all, Akira continued to observe the scene. An enigmatic smile played on his lips as he analyzed every move, every technique displayed by Asashi.
"Well... I think it's time for me to make my appearance," murmured Akira as he let himself fall from the top of the building, letting gravity pull him. When he hit the ground, he created a small crater, shattering the windows behind him.
*******
The battle raged on, the noise of weapons and cries filling the air of Washington. The hunters, despite their bravery, were powerless against Asashi's might, who continued to sow destruction with an almost insulting ease. The ground cracked under the impact of his attacks, and buildings fissured, some collapsing under the shock. Suddenly, everyone on the battlefield felt their hair stand on end. They felt as if they were being watched, even Asashi was forced to stop. Together, they turned their heads in the direction where the presence was felt.
The figure slowly emerged from the rubble, walking casually, hands in pockets. Debris cracked under his steps as he advanced, indifferent to the surrounding chaos. A disturbing smile stretched his lips. His hair danced in the wind.
As he approached, an overwhelming pressure filled the atmosphere. The fights gradually ceased, all eyes turning towards this presence that seemed to distort the air around it. Even the monsters emerging from the portal froze, as if paralyzed.
When he fully emerged from the ruins, the light revealed Akira's features. His appearance elicited a gasp of surprise from Asashi.
"You!!!" exclaimed the Otsutsuki, a tense note in his voice. "What are you doing here?" he shouted.
Akira didn't immediately respond. His gaze swept over the hunters, pausing on Ethan, Steeven, and Smith. Scratching the back of his head, he murmured to himself, "I should let them die, but it's going to become troublesome. With such powers, the divine fruit will be even better."
A heavy silence settled, broken only by the crackling of flames devouring the surrounding buildings.
With deliberate slowness, Akira approached Asashi, ignoring the Otsutsuki's questions. "Well... shall we begin?" he finally said.
"Begin what? And by the way, you didn't answer my question!" retorted Asashi, a hint of irritation in his voice.
Akira's response was swift. In an instant, he vanished from everyone's sight only to reappear in front of Asashi. His hand closed around the Otsutsuki's throat before he could react. A violent knee strike to the stomach made saliva spurt from Asashi's mouth. Following with a spin, Akira sent his opponent flying with a devastating kick.
"You have your answer now," he taunted, his smile widening even more.
Asashi's body crashed against a building, creating an impact that shook the entire structure. Up above, Kinshiki had stopped smiling, his face now displaying a serious expression.