Shadows Of Deception

The demon, standing atop the unstable water's surface, let out a low, menacing laugh. His dark energy swirled violently, creating a vortex in the air around him. He tilted his head, crimson eyes glaring at Nereus. "Time to erase you for good, Ocean Brat," he growled, his voice echoing with an unnatural resonance.

Raising his hand to the heavens, the sky above Blackstone split open, revealing nine planets orbiting within the rift. Their energies began to siphon downward, condensing into a swirling orb of raw, chaotic power in the demon's palm. The sheer force of the technique distorted the environment, creating visible ripples in the air.

The world seemed to pause as the sun began to rise on the horizon. Its golden light spilled across the city, colliding with the dark energy emanating from the demon. His form began to waver, the demonic aura dissolving, and beneath it, Jin's human body started to emerge.

Nereus' sharp eyes caught the shift. "He's losing control," Nereus muttered, his voice a mix of disdain and opportunity. Without hesitation, he blitzed forward with blinding speed, the water below him parting in his wake. His aim was clear: to snatch Jin before the transformation fully reversed.

But at the last moment, the demon—still clinging to his fleeting power—hurled the incomplete orb at Nereus. The projectile tore through the air with an ear-shattering scream, glowing with an unstable intensity.

Nereus barely had time to react. The orb struck him squarely in the chest, detonating with a cataclysmic force. The explosion sent shockwaves rippling outward, toppling the few remaining structures in the city and sending Nereus hurtling several meters into the water. Jin's body, now fully human again, collapsed, unconscious, onto the water's surface.

From the debris of the explosion, Nereus emerged, his face etched with fury and pain. His right arm dangled uselessly, blood dripping into the water below. Yet his expression remained calm, even as his body trembled from the blow. He raised his remaining hand and murmured, "Celestial Healing."

A radiant light enveloped him, its warmth cutting through the destruction around him. Slowly, his bruises faded, and his severed arm regenerated, the flesh knitting itself back together seamlessly. Nereus hovered above the water, his cold gaze fixed on Jin's unconscious form.

Nicklaus, watching from a safe distance, grinned slyly. "Perfect timing," he muttered to himself. He extended his hand, and from the water, tendrils of crimson shot upward, slithering toward Jin's prone body like predatory serpents.

Just as the tendrils were about to ensnare Jin, a metallic blur tore through them with precision. The tendrils shattered, splashing into the water harmlessly.

"Not on my watch," came a confident voice from the shadows. Mengi stepped forward, his blade gleaming in the dim light. Beside him, Seiji appeared, his usual nonchalant smirk in place.

In the air above, Nicklaus frowned, his expression darkening. "Annoying pests."

Before he could retaliate, a massive shadow descended upon the scene. Shenlog landed with a thunderous crash, his dragon scales glinting ominously. Behind him, Madagascar and Jingwei followed, their faces set with determination.

Nicklaus, now hovering beside Nereus, let out a low chuckle. "Well, well, the gang's all here. How charming."

Nereus' gaze remained locked on Jin. "You've failed, Nicklaus," he said coldly, his tone dripping with disappointment. "You let this escalate far beyond what was necessary."

Nicklaus turned to him with a mocking grin. "Oh, come now, my lord. You can't deny this has been entertaining."

Nereus' only response was a sharp glare, his fingers tightening around his trident.

On the ground below, Shenlog stood protectively over Jin's unconscious body, his dragon aura radiating powerfully. He glanced at Seiji and Mengi. "We need to get him out of here," he said firmly.

Seiji nodded, his expression uncharacteristically serious. "Agreed. But this isn't over. Not by a long shot."