But suddenly, Kouta saw Haruto and the other guardians being slaughtered by many high-ranking demons. Panic coursed through him. Without thinking, he flew quickly toward them, but a demon got in his way and struck him with such force that he was thrown several meters back. Kouta struggled to his feet, feeling the pain course through his body.
Kouta: *Gasp*. Damn... I can't stay here...
With no other choice, he had to fight with all his power. However, the demon facing him was a mid-rank commander, with a power of 600, and the difference was abysmal. Kouta tried several combinations of attacks, but none seemed to work.
Demon: *Laughs* Is that all? I thought you'd be more fun.
Kouta gritted his teeth. He knew he didn't stand a chance at his current level. With a cry of despair, he activated his "Super Boost" reaching a power of 360. his speed and strength increased, and he managed to land a few blows, but the demon easily resisted him. Little by little, Kouta began to lose ground, until he was severely injured.
Just as the demon was about to deliver the final blow, a figure streaked across the sky like a flash of lightning.With a devastating blow, Yui staggered the demon. Kouta, shocked, stared at her in disbelief.
Kouta: *Coughing* Y-Yui... what are you doing here?
Yui: *Serious* I wasn't going to let you die just like that. I'm tired of being the weak one here.
Her energy had grown to 102, a tremendous strength for an ordinary person, but Yui is no ordinary person; she's a warrior. And Kouta, feeling inspired by her bravery, struggled to his feet.
Kouta: *gasp* No... I can't let you do this alone...
Releasing the last of his energy, he activated his "Super Boost" again, reaching a power of 280. And when all seemed lost, Haruto appeared at his side with a desperate and determined expression. He looked tired and hurt, just like Kouta. His power had weakened considerably, now hovering around 320.
Haruto: We can't keep going like this... We only have one chance, Kouta.
Kouta: *confused* What do you mean?
Haruto: *staring, he exclaims* "Let's do the Phantom Union!"
Kouta: ...What?
Haruto: There's no time to explain. Just concentrate all your power in your fist and smash it against mine.
Yui: Hurry! I don't know how much longer I can hold out!
While Yui fought with all her might, taking a beating from the demon, Kouta and Haruto gathered their power in their fists and collided with tremendous energy. A blinding flash enveloped the battlefield, and when the light dissipated, in his place stood Koutaru, the fusion of both of them. His power was 600, and the battle changed drastically.
Koutaru: *Looking at his hands* This... this is incredible.
Demon: *Scared* W-What are you?
Koutaru didn't respond. In the blink of an eye, he appeared in front of the demon and punched him with such force that he was knocked to the ground. The battle was now even.
At that moment, a new presence arrived on the battlefield.
Tetsuya: With a firm voice, he said: "Guardians, rise! We haven't lost yet!"
The guard Kouta and Yui met at the beginning had arrived. Seeing the situation, he unleashed his full power, reaching 380. He joined Yui in defeating the lower-ranking demons, and they gradually gained the upper hand.
The remaining demons, seeing that the battle was lost, gathered their fallen comrades and fled.
Koutaru, after defeating the demon commander and seeing that the threat had passed, separated into Kouta and Haruto, collapsing in exhaustion.
Tetsuya approached, surprised.
Tetsuya: hey, are you two alright? *asked concerned*
Haruto: Y-yeah, we managed to survive... *said with a smirk as he breathed hevily*
Tetsuya: So you know them, huh? Interesting...
Haruto: They're my students, in a way.
Tetsuya: *Looking at Kouta* When I first saw you, you barely had a power of 100. Now... it seems you've become quite the warrior.
Haruto: Heh, you should see him in action. He's advanced faster than I expected.
Tetsuya: *Thoughtful* Hmmm...
Tetsuya crossed his arms and looked at Kouta with interest.
Tetsuya: Tell me, kid, have you considered becoming a Guardian?
Kouta Laughed nervously.
Kota: Ehhh... I think I'd rather remain a normal villager.
Tetsuya: Hahaha, okay, but think about it. Someone like you would be very useful.
Kota: *Smiling* Hehe, I'll think about it.
After the battle, Tetsuya called for healing reinforcements. Everyone was healed, including Kouta and Yui, who, exhausted, decided to return home.
And when they arrived...
TO BE CONTINUED....