The Heart of Zero

Chapter 22: Chapter 22: A Clash of Shadows



On the rooftop, Yahageshii advanced with deliberate steps, his movements exuding a predatory aura. Each step seemed to tighten the air, suffusing the space with an almost tangible tension. The man in the shadows remained still, his gaze cold and piercing, quietly observing every subtle shift in Yahageshii's stance. The stillness between them was palpable, broken only by the howling of the wind.

Yahageshii's eyes narrowed as he growled in a low, menacing voice. "What's wrong? Scared? Or do you think you can escape from me?" His fingers twitched slightly, a faint, dangerous energy emanating from his hand, like a coiled serpent ready to strike.

The shadowy figure said nothing. His silence spoke volumes, his gaze unwavering and sharp, as though dissecting every move Yahageshii might make. The tension built steadily, the wind whipping around them, heralding the imminent storm of conflict.

Suddenly, Yahageshii lunged forward, his fist hurtling toward his opponent with ferocious speed. The man sidestepped deftly, evading the blow with precision. He countered swiftly, his fist driving toward Yahageshii's midsection. The impact forced Yahageshii to stagger back, but he recovered almost instantly, planting his feet firmly and launching himself into the air. His body arced gracefully, and with a powerful kick, he struck down toward the shadowed figure.

The man spun, deflecting the kick with ease. Their movements intertwined in a seamless dance of violence, each strike and counterstrike resonating with raw energy. Yahageshii's attacks grew fiercer, his fists raining down like a storm. Yet his opponent remained calm and deliberate, every move a masterstroke of discipline and power.

In a sudden burst of motion, Yahageshii leaped backward, creating a momentary gap between them. His eyes glinted with recognition—this was no ordinary adversary. If he didn't finish this quickly, he might not have the upper hand. He clenched his fists, summoning the red energy of his otherworldly Alien Soul. Flames erupted from his body like a raging inferno, distorting the air around him. The searing heat rippled through the rooftop, making the surrounding bricks radiate warmth.

The man's eyes narrowed at the sight, a flicker of realization crossing his face. The eighth leader's Alien Soul... Could there be a connection between Yahageshii and him?

Without hesitation, Yahageshii shot forward, a streak of red lightning in motion. The air wavered under the oppressive heat as his figure blurred with speed, closing the distance in an instant. The man responded, his aura swelling as he released his own power. Invisible waves of force enveloped him, forming a barrier that clashed against Yahageshii's flames. The heat receded slightly, held at bay by the man's unyielding strength.

Yahageshii roared, unleashing a devastating punch engulfed in fire. The man met it head-on, palms pressed together as he caught the blow. The impact reverberated through the rooftop, sending shards of stone skittering across the ground. Fire spread across his hands, but with a calculated motion, he redirected it away, extinguishing the flames without harm.

Enraged, Yahageshii let out a guttural growl. "Not bad! But you won't escape from me that easily!"

His flames flared brighter, more intense, their heat now almost unbearable. The temperature spiked as he poured every ounce of his Alien Soul into his next attack. His fists burned like molten rock, and he surged forward, the rooftop trembling beneath him.

The shadowed figure braced himself, drawing the surrounding energy into his core. His arms glimmered faintly with an iron-like sheen, an indomitable force ready to meet Yahageshii's charge. Their attacks collided in a blinding explosion of fire and energy. The shockwave rippled outward, bending the railing of the rooftop and scattering loose debris.

As they exchanged blows, fire and force intertwined in a brutal dance. Each impact echoed like thunder, each clash a symphony of power. Yahageshii's relentless aggression contrasted with his opponent's poised and calculating style. The rooftop became their battlefield, their fury carving a story into the bricks and stone.

"Impressive," Yahageshii sneered, his fiery eyes glinting with malice. "You actually dare to withstand my Alien Soul."

The man tilted his head slightly, his voice calm and razor-sharp. "Borrowing the eighth leader's Alien Soul doesn't make you invincible. If you think this fire is enough to claim victory, you're far too naive."

Yahageshii's smirk froze, his face darkening. His aura grew wild, the flames now a chaotic storm surrounding him. His voice was a low snarl, filled with rage. "Then let's see how long you can keep that confidence."

He launched himself forward, the flames roaring higher as he unleashed his most powerful strike yet. The man responded in kind, his aura flaring to match the oncoming inferno. Their clash was a storm of fire and steel, each refusing to yield. The rooftop groaned under the strain of their battle, but neither combatant wavered.

As the battle raged on, the fiery glow of Yahageshii's power illuminated the city below. And somewhere, far from the chaos of this clash, the faint echo of another confrontation began to stir. The night was alive with the promise of conflict, its shadows whispering of forces yet unseen.


Tip: You can use left, right, A and D keyboard keys to browse between chapters.