743Shin and Thor collapsed onto the cold stone floor of the war council chamber in Asgard, their bodies spent, their breaths ragged. Crimson arcs of Shin's teleportation lightning still crackled faintly in the air around them, a lingering reminder of the battle they had just barely escaped. Shin lay on his back, his vision blurring as exhaustion settled over him like a heavy blanket. His entire body felt like it had been put through the wringer, his muscles burning with the effort it had taken to keep the Flames of Destruction alive for so long. Even his Phenix clan regeneration had begun to falter, leaving him with open wounds that bled slowly, too drained to heal.
Thor, barely faring better, leaned against the nearby wall, his breath coming in shallow gasps. His armor was scorched and dented, his face bloodied, but the determined glint in his eyes remained. He managed a weak grin as he glanced at Shin. "We made it," he muttered, his voice thick with fatigue.
Shin let out a breathless laugh, though it sounded more like a cough. "Barely..."
The chamber doors slammed open, and Odin stormed in, flanked by Freya and a handful of other warriors. His single eye widened at the sight of the two bloodied figures on the floor, and he strode forward, his presence immediately commanding the attention of everyone in the room.
"By the gods," Odin muttered as he knelt beside Thor, his voice heavy with concern. He glanced between the two warriors, quickly assessing the severity of their injuries. "Someone fetch Eri or Asia—whoever is closer! They need immediate medical attention."
One of the nearby warriors nodded quickly and sprinted from the room to carry out the command. The tension in the room thickened as Odin turned his attention back to Shin and Thor.
"What happened out there?" he asked, his voice low but urgent.
Shin, still lying on his back, raised a trembling hand and pointed upward. "Ambush," he rasped. "It's... worse than we thought. Four realms... Niflheim, Svartalfheim, Jotunheim, Muspelheim... they're all in on it."
Odin's brow furrowed deeply, "Four realms? They've united against us?"
Thor nodded weakly, wiping the blood from his brow. "Aye... and they set a trap for us. Nearly didn't make it out."
Odin's expression darkened. "How long do we have before the invasion begins?"
Thor shook his head, his face grim. "We didn't get that information. They were tight-lipped about their exact timing. But," he added, his voice growing more serious, "just because only those four realms were involved in the ambush doesn't mean they're the only ones in on this. There could always be more. We can't assume it ends with them."
Odin's eye narrowed as he absorbed Thor's warning. His hand gripped tightly, the weight of Thor's words pressing heavily on him. "Then we must prepare for the worst," he muttered.
Freya knelt beside Thor and Shin, her violet eyes scanning their injuries with a practiced gaze. She reached out, her hand glowing faintly as she placed it on Thor's shoulder. Healing energy flowed from her palm, beginning to mend the worst of his wounds.
But before the magic could fully take hold, Thor grabbed Freya's hand, stopping her. His grip, though weakened, was firm. "No," he said, his voice rough from exhaustion but resolute. "Heal Shin first."
Freya blinked, momentarily surprised. "Thor, you're—"
"Shin's the only reason we survived," Thor interrupted, his tone insistent. "If it wasn't for him, we'd have never made it out. Heal him first."
Freya's gaze shifted to Shin, a look of shock briefly crossing her face. She hadn't realized the extent of Shin's role in their escape. Without another word, she moved to Shin's side, placing her glowing hand on his chest. The warmth of her healing magic flowed through his body like a soothing balm, knitting together his torn muscles and sealing the open wounds that his Phenix regeneration hadn't been able to keep up with.
Shin let out a low chuckle, feeling the magic ease the pain in his body. "It's about time," he muttered, his voice thick with sarcasm. "It's not like I was bleeding out or anything."
Freya smiled at him, her violet eyes softening. "Your bravery kept Thor and Asgard safe," she said, her voice quiet but filled with admiration. "Thank you, Shin." She paused, letting her healing magic work, then added with a smirk, "You can also consider the test passed."
Shin raised an eyebrow, grinning despite the pain. "Exactly what I wanted to hear," he said, trying to laugh but wincing as the movement sent a fresh wave of pain through his still-healing body. "Though I'd appreciate fewer tests in the future."
Freya chuckled, her smile warm as she continued to heal him. "We'll see."
As Freya's magic worked to restore his strength, Shin felt the weight of the battle lifting from him, but he knew this was only the beginning. The real fight was yet to come.
Odin stood, his gaze hardening as he processed the information. His single eye flicked between Shin and Thor, his expression grave. "We don't have time to waste," he said, his voice low and firm. "The invasion is imminent. We must gather our forces and prepare for war."
Shin, still weak but determined, struggled to push himself into a sitting position. Pain shot through his body as he moved, but his mind was already racing with thoughts of the battle to come. His muscles ached, and the blood from his open wounds had begun to slow, but he still didn't have enough magic for his regeneration to kick in yet.
"We need to go on the offensive," Shin said, his voice firm despite his exhaustion. "Hit them before they can fully organize. We infiltrate their lines while the main Norse army holds them off. It's the only way."
Odin, standing tall and steady despite the mounting tension, looked at Shin thoughtfully. "You've done much already, Shin," he said, his voice filled with both gratitude and gravity. "But remember, you are not a part of Asgard. This isn't a simple brawl—this is war. You don't have to participate. You've done more than enough for Asgard as it is."
Shin paused, taking in Odin's words. His body was battered, his magic nearly drained, and he had already endured more than he ever imagined. But as he looked around the room, at the faces of those around him—Freya, the soldiers preparing for battle, and finally Thor—he felt something stir deep within him.
"I know," Shin acknowledged quietly, his red eyes glancing at Odin. "But I'd like to help anyway." He straightened slightly, despite the pain that shot through his body. "I haven't been here long, but... I've made friends," he said, his gaze shifting to Freya and the soldiers. "And I've also made a brother." His eyes locked with Thor's, a warm sincerity in his voice. "I didn't plan on it, but Asgard has become my home. And I'll defend it with my last breath."
For a moment, the room was silent. Thor, Freya, and even Odin looked at Shin in shock, taken aback by the depth of his words. The weight of his declaration hung in the air, and just when the silence seemed to stretch on too long, Thor's thunderous laugh echoed through the chamber.
"Hahaha!" Thor's booming voice rang out, breaking the tension as his face split into a wide grin. Without hesitation, he stepped forward and wrapped a muscular arm around Shin's shoulders, though he was careful not to aggravate his wounds. "I feel the same way, brother! Welcome home!"
Shin winced slightly at the impact but couldn't help the small smile that tugged at his lips. He had never imagined feeling this kind of bond with anyone in Asgard, let alone Thor, but here he was. This place had become his home, and these people had become his family.
As if on cue, the doors burst open, and Asia hurried in, a soldier trailing behind her, having fetched her as instructed. Her eyes were wide with panic, her breath quick as she rushed over to Shin without a moment's hesitation.
"Shin!" she exclaimed, her hands already glowing with healing magic. "What happened to you? Why didn't anyone call me sooner?"
Shin opened his mouth to respond but froze, his red eyes widening in surprise as he looked at Asia. Something was different. Her appearance... her magic... everything about her had changed. Her once soft, youthful features were sharper, more defined. Her blonde hair, which had been smooth and straight, now fell in full, wavy locks. And the power radiating from her... it was overwhelming, far stronger than anything he had felt from her before. It had only been two weeks—how had she changed so much?
"Asia...?" Shin muttered, his voice thick with disbelief as her magic began to flow into his body. He could feel the strength of her healing, far more potent than anything she had ever done before. "What happened to you?"
Asia's brow furrowed as she focused on healing his wounds, her expression still filled with concern. "There's no time for that right now," she replied, her hands glowing brighter as her magic worked its way through Shin's injuries. "You're hurt. We'll talk later."
Shin nodded slightly, though his mind still reeled from the changes he was witnessing. What had happened to Asia in such a short time? He'd known she was growing stronger, but this... this was something else entirely.
Odin, observing the scene from where he stood, nodded solemnly. "It seems we're all undergoing changes," he said, his voice low but resolute. "The forces at play here are greater than any of us expected."
(Scene Break)
The halls of Valhalla buzzed with activity as Asgard's forces gathered for the final preparations before the looming war. Warriors armed themselves with enchanted weapons, and battle-hardened veterans sharpened their blades. The air was thick with tension, and the gravity of the situation weighed heavily on everyone. The great hall, where the war council was held, had been transformed into the nerve center of Asgard's military planning.
Shin, now recovered from the battle, stood beside Thor, Freya, and Asia at the long war table, which was strewn with maps and tactical plans. Odin sat at the head of the table, his single eye sharp as he surveyed his gathered commanders. The tension was palpable, and the reality of the imminent invasion loomed over them all.
"This is it," Odin said, his voice low but firm. "The enemy is moving quickly, and we've confirmed that four realms—Niflheim, Jotunheim, Muspelheim, and Svartalfheim—have banded together. Their forces are already amassing at the borders of Asgard, ready to strike."
He pointed to the map before him, outlining the enemy's movement. "We'll deploy our main army to hold the line at the Gates of Asgard. The warriors of Valhalla will stand ready to defend, but we cannot let the enemy breach the gates."
Shin leaned forward, his red eyes scanning the map with an intensity that hadn't waned since his recovery. "What about infiltration?" he asked, his tone pragmatic. "We need to get behind their lines, disrupt their command structure. If we can capture or eliminate their leaders, we can destabilize their forces and turn the tide before it's too late."
Odin nodded, already anticipating the plan. "That's where you come in, Shin. You, Thor, Freya, and Asia will infiltrate the enemy's lines while the main army engages them at the front. We believe their command center is here." He pointed to a remote section of the map, near the base of the mountains where the enemy had been building a makeshift fortress. "It's heavily fortified, but if you can get in and eliminate their leaders, we'll have a chance to end this before it escalates."
Asia, who had been silent until now, stepped forward, her expression tense. "What about the wounded? I can't fight like the rest of you... but I can heal. I'll need to be with the main army, in case things get bad."
Freya placed a gentle hand on Asia's shoulder, her violet eyes softening with warmth and pride. "You've grown stronger than you realize, Asia," she said softly, her voice carrying the weight of their shared time together. "Remember what I've taught you. Your magic is more powerful than you give it credit for, and we'll need it more than ever. But..." Freya paused, her gaze steady. "This battle will be brutal. You must be prepared for that."
Asia swallowed hard, the weight of Freya's words settling in her chest. She hadn't expected to be thrust into a situation like this, but Freya's teachings in the last week had given her the foundation she needed. She just had to believe in herself. She nodded, determination flickering in her eyes. "I understand," she replied, her voice stronger now, bolstered by Freya's encouragement.
Freya gave her a reassuring smile. "Have confidence in yourself, Asia. You're ready."
Odin's gaze hardened as he addressed the room. "This battle will decide the fate of Asgard. We cannot afford mistakes. Our enemies are powerful, and they have united against us. We must stand together, and we must be ready for anything."
Shin crossed his arms, deep in thought as he mulled over the plan. He had confidence in their strategy, but his mind raced with contingencies. What if they're expecting us to infiltrate? What if the ambush was just the beginning?
He glanced at Freya, her face calm but determined, and at Thor, who despite his injuries was ready for battle. Then he looked to Asia, who had grown more than anyone could have expected. She wasn't the same timid healer he had known before. She was on the verge of something much greater.
Shin cleared his throat, his voice cutting through the tension. "We'll handle it. We'll take out their leaders, disrupt their chain of command, and give our forces the opening they need. We won't fail."
Odin studied him for a long moment before nodding. "Very well. Prepare yourselves. We march at dawn."
As the war council began to disband, the tension in the room seemed to thicken. Everyone knew what was at stake. Asgard's very survival hung in the balance, and the weight of that reality pressed down on all of them.
Shin lingered at the map, his mind still racing with plans. He knew that the upcoming battle would push them all to their limits, and the risks were immense. But there was something else, too—something lurking in the back of his mind. The four realms had united, but there were nine realms in total. What if this alliance wasn't the full extent of their enemy?
Whatever happened next, Shin was ready. He had to be.
(Scene Break)
Shin sat on the edge of the bed in their shared room, the dim light casting shadows across his face. The weight of the upcoming battle pressed down on him, heavier than any sword he had ever wielded. He could feel the tension in the air, thick and suffocating, as he tried to focus on the plans they had discussed. But his mind kept drifting back to Asia—her newfound strength, the shocking revelation about her transformation, and the way everything seemed to be changing so quickly.
Asia stood near the window, her arms crossed as she gazed out at the quiet city of Asgard below. The night sky was calm, a stark contrast to the turmoil building within her. Shin's eyes followed her movements, noticing the way her features had become more refined, more regal. It wasn't just her appearance that had changed—her very presence felt different. Stronger. Otherworldly.
"Power of Manifestation, huh?" Shin finally spoke, his voice quiet yet laced with disbelief. "I still can't believe it. It's turning you into a Goddess..."
Asia turned to face him, her blue eyes soft but filled with uncertainty. "I didn't expect it either," she said, her voice barely above a whisper. "Freya explained it to me, but... I still don't know how to feel about it."
Shin shook his head, running a hand through his dark hair. "It's incredible, but we've got more important things to deal with right now." His gaze met hers, his expression growing serious. "Let's focus on surviving the upcoming battle first. If we make it through that, then we'll figure everything else out."
Asia bit her lip, her fingers fidgeting nervously. There was a pause before she spoke, her voice hesitant. "Shin... about that."
Shin noticed the shift in her demeanor immediately. He tilted his head, concern flickering in his red eyes. "What's wrong?"
Asia hesitated, her hands clasping together tightly as she took a deep breath. "It's just... we might not make it through the battle. This... this might be the last time we have to spend time together alone."
Shin's heart sank, his stomach twisting at the thought. The gravity of her words hit him hard. He lowered his gaze, feeling the weight of it all settle on his shoulders. "Yeah," he muttered, his voice low. "You're right. It could be."
Asia took a step closer, her face flushed with color as she looked at him. There was something in her eyes—something nervous, yet determined. "I don't want to waste it," she whispered.
Shin blinked, lifting his head to meet her gaze. "What do you mean?"
"This might be our last day of peace," Asia continued, her voice trembling slightly. "And I want to spend it with you... in ways we've never spent time before."
Shin's eyes widened, his breath catching in his throat as her meaning became clear. "Asia..." he began, his voice filled with shock, "Are you... are you asking what I think you're asking?"
Asia's face broke out into an atomic blush, her cheeks turning a deep crimson as she nodded slowly. "Yes," she whispered, barely able to meet his gaze. "I don't know what will happen tomorrow... but if I might die soon, I don't want to die not knowing what it would be like to... finally cross that line with you."
Shin's heart pounded in his chest, his mind reeling from the unexpected turn. He stared at Asia, the girl he had fought alongside, laughed with, and protected. And now... she was asking him to share something deeper, something more intimate than they had ever allowed themselves before.
The silence stretched between them for what felt like an eternity, the tension palpable. Then, without a word, Shin stood and crossed the room in a few quick strides, his hands gently cupping her flushed face. Asia's breath hitched as she looked up at him, her eyes wide and vulnerable.
"I..." Shin started, his voice soft and filled with emotion, "I don't want to lose you either."
And with that, he leaned down, capturing her lips in a kiss that was both tender and urgent. Asia responded instantly, her hands clutching at his shirt as she melted into him, her heart racing. The kiss deepened, their emotions pouring out with every touch, every breath.
As the night deepened, their shared affection took over. The room was filled with the sound of their quiet breaths, their bodies moving together in a moment of vulnerability and love. It was a night neither of them would forget—a final day of peace before the storm of war.
(Scene Break)
The morning sun cast a dim glow over the battlefield, its light barely cutting through the heavy fog that rolled across the plains outside Asgard. On one horizon, the mighty Asgardian army stood like an unbreakable wall, their weapons gleaming in the muted light. Shields locked together, the warriors of Valhalla stood tall and resolute, their breath misting in the cold air as they prepared for what would likely be the fiercest battle of their lives.
The sight was awe-inspiring—Asgard's finest soldiers, standing shoulder to shoulder with the mortal defenders of the realm. The Einherjar, warriors who had died in battle and been brought to Valhalla, stood at the forefront, their expressions grim and determined. Behind them, the mortal soldiers readied their weapons, knowing full well that they were about to face an enemy unlike any other.
Across the field, the invading forces loomed ominously. The army was a grotesque contrast to the disciplined lines of Asgard's defenders. Ice Giants from Niflheim, their towering forms coated in armor of frost, stood ready with massive weapons that could crush entire legions in one swing. Dark Elves from Svartalfheim slinked among the shadows, their lithe figures hidden by dark cloaks as they waited for their chance to strike. Jotunheim Giants, even larger than the Ice Giants, snarled and stomped, their immense frames shaking the ground. The Lava Giants of Muspelheim, fiery and molten, sent waves of heat rippling through the cold air, causing the very ground beneath them to sizzle and crack.
The armies stood across from each other, neither side moving, both waiting for the inevitable clash. Tension hung thick in the air, the calm before the storm. The silence was so profound that the distant cries of birds seemed unnaturally loud.
Shin stood among his comrades—Thor, Freya, and Asia—on a small rise just behind the front lines. His red eyes scanned the horizon, taking in the sheer magnitude of the enemy forces. His hands rested on the hilts of his swords, ready to be drawn at a moment's notice. His heartbeat quickened, but his mind was calm, focused.
"That's quite the army," Shin muttered, glancing at Thor, who stood beside him.
Thor, gripping Mjolnir tightly, grinned despite the grimness of the situation. "Aye, they've brought their best. But so have we." His voice carried the confidence of a warrior who had faced countless battles and lived to tell the tale.
Freya, standing on Shin's other side, narrowed her violet eyes as she observed the enemy forces. "This will be no easy fight," she said quietly. "But we have a plan. We just need to execute it."
Asia, who had been silent, took a deep breath, her hands trembling slightly. She had grown so much in the past weeks, her power increasing exponentially, but even now, she felt the weight of the coming battle pressing down on her. She could sense the fear in the air, the nervousness of the soldiers around her. But she pushed it aside. She had to.
Shin gave her a reassuring look. "We'll get through this," he said quietly.
Before anyone could respond, Odin stepped forward. He stood at the head of the Asgardian army, his spear Gungnir held aloft. The old god's gaze was fierce, his one eye burning with the fire of a thousand battles. He surveyed the enemy forces, and then turned back to his own.
"Warriors of Asgard!" Odin's voice boomed across the battlefield, strong and commanding. Every soldier stood a little taller as his words rang out. "Today, we stand on the brink of war. But know this: we do not stand alone. The gods are with us. The spirits of Valhalla are with us. And our enemy... they will learn the meaning of fear before this day is done!"
The Asgardian army roared in response, their voices merging into a deafening battle cry. Shields clanged against armor, and weapons were raised high. The sound reverberated through the air, shaking the very ground beneath their feet.
Odin turned back toward the enemy, raising Gungnir high. "For Asgard!" he bellowed.
"For Asgard!" the warriors echoed, their voices filled with the raw power of conviction and battle lust.
And then it happened.
With a thunderous roar, the two armies surged toward each other. The clash of metal and the roar of battle filled the air as the Asgardian forces collided with the invaders. Ice Giants swung massive clubs, Dark Elves darted in and out of the fray, and the Lava Giants from Muspelheim sent waves of molten rock searing across the battlefield.
Chaos erupted. The ground shook with the force of the impact as warriors from both sides crashed into one another, swords clashing, shields splintering, and magic lighting up the sky in flashes of deadly brilliance.
But amidst the chaos, Shin, Thor, Freya, and Asia moved swiftly. The battle raged around them, but their focus remained on their mission—to get behind enemy lines and take out the command center.
"This way," Thor called, leading them through the madness. They darted around skirmishes, cutting through any enemy soldiers that got in their way. Shin's swords flashed in the light, and Freya's magic crackled in the air, obliterating any threats.
"Keep moving!" Shin shouted as they encountered another group of enemies. With a swift motion, he slashed through a Dark Elf, his blade coated in a faint glow of destructive energy. Beside him, Asia fired off a burst of healing magic, keeping their group strong and steady.
As they pressed deeper into enemy territory, the resistance grew fiercer. More groups of soldiers spotted them, and their skirmishes became more frequent. Every step toward the command center was met with bloodshed, but they kept pushing forward.
Eventually, the towering structure of the command center loomed before them. It was heavily fortified, but they had expected that. As they approached, something in the air shifted, and Shin felt it instantly. The hairs on the back of his neck stood on end.
"Something's wrong," Freya muttered, her eyes scanning the area.
Before Shin could respond, a shimmering barrier erupted around them, enclosing the entire command center in a bubble of magic.
"A barrier," Shin muttered, his eyes narrowing as he assessed their situation.
"It's blocking all teleportation," Freya confirmed, her expression darkening. "We can't get out."
Thor let out a low growl, but his expression remained calm. "We expected this. They were bound to try something."
Shin nodded. "Yeah, we figured something like this might happen." His voice was steady, but his mind was racing. "But we had to come. We need to take out their leaders and end this war."
Just then, the unmistakable sound of footsteps echoed through the chamber. The group tensed as a new wave of enemies emerged from the shadows.
The sheer number of them was staggering—10,000 high-class and above troops, all standing at attention, their cold, focused gazes locked on Shin, Thor, Freya, and Asia. They had been lying in wait, ready to spring the trap.
Shin let out a low chuckle, the tension in the air almost palpable. "Well, this just got interesting," he muttered, a wry grin spreading across his face. He reached behind him and withdrew two swords from his back, the weight of the blades familiar and comforting.
The enemy soldiers didn't move. They stood in disciplined silence, waiting.
Shin took a step forward, his eyes glinting with determination. "Go on," he said quietly to the others. "Get to the leaders. I'll stall for time."
"Shin—" Asia began, but Shin cut her off with a firm look.
"Go," he repeated, his voice steady but resolute. "I've got this."
Thor clenched his fists, his face a mixture of frustration and concern. "Shin... there's 10,000 of them. You can't do this. You won't be able to win against that many."
Shin turned toward him, laughing softly despite the gravity of the situation. "Thor, I don't need to win. I just need to stall them long enough for you three to do your part. With my regeneration, I'm the only one who can stand against them for this long."
Thor's face tightened, but he couldn't argue with Shin's logic. His eyes flicked to Freya and Asia, both of whom were equally torn, but they knew Shin was right. He had the best chance of holding the enemy at bay.
"Be careful, brother," Thor muttered, clapping a hand on Shin's shoulder. "Don't do anything too reckless."
Freya nodded as well, her gaze sharp. "We'll be quick. You just hold them off."
Shin gave a curt nod, gripping his swords tightly. But before anyone could move, Asia stepped forward, her eyes suddenly glowing with a radiant golden light. Shin immediately felt a shift in his body—his limbs felt lighter, and a surge of strength coursed through him, as if his very essence had been supercharged.
"Asia?" Shin looked at her, feeling the magic coursing through his veins.
Asia's glowing eyes locked with his, and her voice was soft but filled with confidence. "I used my new abilities to buff you," she explained. "Your magic has been enhanced, and in particular... your magic will recover significantly quicker. You should be able to maintain your regeneration far longer now."
Shin's eyes widened in surprise, and then he smiled, a slow grin spreading across his face. "Perfect," he said, feeling the raw power building within him.
Asia blushed slightly but kept her focus. "You've got this, Shin. Just don't push yourself too far."
Shin's smile turned into a fierce grin. He could feel the power building inside him, and with Asia's boost, he knew he was ready. He took a deep breath, then unleashed every ounce of magic he had been holding back. Little arcs of red lightning licked across his body, crackling and striking the ground around him, scorching the stone. The air around him hummed with intensity, and his entire form seemed to radiate with destructive energy.
The sheer magnitude of his power was staggering. Shin Hyoudou was no longer just a high-class combatant—he had ascended into the upper-echelons of the Ultimate-class. His growth in strength was unlike anything anyone had ever seen, and even Thor and Freya stood in awe for a brief moment.
The enemy forces, sensing the overwhelming aura emanating from Shin, roared and surged forward, the ground trembling as 10,000 strong warriors charged at once.
"Go now," Shin barked, his voice cutting through the chaos. "I can't hold them forever. Hurry and finish this!"
Without another word, Thor, Freya, and Asia turned and sprinted toward the enemy command center, leaving Shin to face the oncoming storm.
The enemy's roars echoed across the battlefield, their eyes locked on Shin as they advanced with murderous intent. But Shin didn't flinch. He watched them, his eyes sharp and focused, his body a beacon of power and defiance.
Time to get to work.
With a burst of speed, Shin exploded forward, red lightning crackling around him as he shot toward the charging army. Magic attacks rained down from above, but he weaved through them with ease, his movements precise and lightning-fast. The air around him crackled with energy, his twin swords gleaming brilliantly as they burned with the Flames of Destruction.
The first wave of enemies reached him, but Shin was ready. He swung his blades in a wide arc, the Flames of Destruction roaring to life as they sliced through armor and flesh with terrifying ease. The first few Ice Giants were incinerated instantly, their bodies disintegrating into nothing but ash.
More enemies surged toward him, but Shin moved with deadly precision. His body was a blur of motion, and every swing of his swords unleashed waves of destructive energy that obliterated anything in its path. The ground beneath his feet cracked and splintered as he unleashed wave after wave of power, the red lightning dancing around him like a storm of chaos.
One of the Lava Giants roared, hurling a massive boulder of molten rock at him, but Shin didn't flinch. With a single slash of his sword, he cut through the boulder, the Flames of Destruction reducing it to harmless cinders before it could even touch him.
Behind him, the path was clear—Thor, Freya, and Asia had made it past the initial waves and were closing in on the command center. They only had a small window of time to take out the leaders before the army realized what was happening. And that window was up to Shin to maintain.
More high-class troops closed in around him, but Shin only grinned, his red eyes glowing with fierce determination.
"Is that all you've got?" he taunted, spinning his swords as arcs of red lightning shot out from his body, striking down enemies around him. He could feel the adrenaline coursing through his veins, the raw magic inside him amplified by Asia's buff. It made him feel invincible.
But even with his immense power, he knew he couldn't hold them forever. The sheer numbers would eventually overwhelm him. That wasn't the point, though. He didn't need to win—he just needed to buy time.
With a final, defiant roar, Shin plunged into the heart of the enemy army, his blades flashing, his magic crackling, and his determination unshakable.
He would hold the line.
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