ZERO SHIFT

The oppressive stillness of the cave was shattered as Rin and Zen entered. Their footsteps echoed ominously, the tension thick enough to cut with a blade. The rangers turned instinctively toward the new arrivals, their faces tightening with dread. The aura around Rin and Zen was suffocating, their power radiating like a storm contained within human forms.

Rin moved with elegant poise, her crimson cloak trailing behind her like spilled blood. Her sharp, predatory gaze flicked across the room, assessing her prey. Zen, towering and imposing, trailed slightly behind her, his silver eyes glinting with quiet menace.

"I hope you don't mind me taking a swing at the son of Ragnar," Zen said, breaking the silence. His voice was deep and smooth, laced with a hint of mockery.

Rin chuckled, her voice lilting like a melody of malice. "Didn't Kaiden's beating teach you anything? Or do you enjoy humiliation?"

Zen's smirk didn't waver. "That's why his little brother will pay the price."

Rin raised an eyebrow, her amusement clear. "Do as you like, but remember Hans' warning. That one," she said, nodding toward Josuke, "has Chaos within him. You'd be wise not to provoke it."

Zen turned to her with a shrug. "Then stay out of my way, Rin. Go chase whatever your black heart desires."

Her lips curved into a sinister smile. "Oh, don't worry about me. My eyes are set on the last Pendragon." Her gaze drifted to Arthur, who tightened his grip on his weapon. "It's been decades since I've tasted one," she added, her voice dripping with hunger.

"Very well," Zen said, his attention shifting back to Josuke. "Just stay out of my fight."

Before anyone could react, Zen vanished in a blur of speed. When he reappeared, he was directly in front of Josuke, gripping his face with a hand like iron. The force of the grab sent a shockwave through the cave, and Josuke could only grunt in pain.

Zen's free hand shot out and grabbed Hinata, who had been standing near Josuke. With effortless strength, he lifted them both as if they weighed nothing.

"Josuke!" Lily screamed, rushing forward to help, but Rin raised a hand. A shimmering crimson barrier erupted between them, separating the cave into two parts.

"Ah, ah," Rin said, her voice playful yet venomous. "Zen wants his fun. Let him have it. I'll handle the rest of you soon enough."

Zen glanced back briefly, noting the barrier Rin had created. His smirk returned. "Do as you please," he said coolly before vanishing with his captives, reappearing deep within the cave.

Josuke hit the ground hard, the impact knocking the air from his lungs. Hinata landed nearby, trembling as she tried to process what had just happened.

Zen loomed over them, his presence filling the cavern like a dark cloud. "You," he said, pointing at Hinata. "Are you a healer?"

Hinata hesitated, fear constricting her voice. "Y-Yes…"

"Good." Zen's tone was cold and commanding. "Heal him. I want him at full strength when we fight."

Hinata scrambled to her knees, her hands trembling as she placed them over Josuke's bruised and battered form. A warm, golden light enveloped him, knitting his wounds and replenishing his energy. As the glow faded, Josuke pushed himself to his feet, his eyes locking onto Zen with a fiery determination.

Zen studied him for a moment, his expression unreadable. "You really don't know, do you?" he muttered.

"Know what?" Josuke demanded, his voice sharp.

Zen's silver eyes narrowed. "Ragnar. The late Devil King. He was very powerful, ruthless, and unyielding he was a beast among kings. The very mention of his name sent shivers down spines. And you…" He leaned forward slightly, his gaze piercing. "You carry his blood. You carry his spark that spark that make soldiers run in fear ."

Josuke's brow furrowed. "I don't know or care about Ragnar or what you think I am. I'm my own person, and I'll prove it to you."

Zen straightened, his smirk returning. "Bold words. But do you have the power to back them up?"

Josuke turned to Hinata, his voice steady despite the storm of emotions raging inside him. "Step back, Hina. This is my fight."

Hinata hesitated, her eyes wide with worry, but she nodded and moved to the edge of the cavern.

Zen rolled his shoulders, the sound of cracking joints echoing ominously. "Show me what Ragnar's spark can do."

Josuke didn't hesitate. With a roar, he charged at Zen, his devil form pulsing with dark energy. His fists ignited as he swung at Zen with all his might. The impact of his punch sent a shockwave through the cavern, shaking the very walls.

Zen caught Josuke's fist effortlessly, his smirk widening. "Is that it?"

Josuke growled, his other hand surging forward in a fiery strike aimed at Zen's face. Zen ducked with inhuman speed, his movements fluid and calculated. He retaliated with a powerful blow to Josuke's stomach, sending him skidding backward.

"Pathetic," Zen said, his tone dripping with disappointment. "Ragnar's fire burned like a storm, controlled and precise. You're nothing but an ember, flickering in the wind."

Josuke wiped the blood from his mouth, his eyes blazing with determination. "Shut up and fight!"

Zen's smirk faded, his expression turning cold. "As you wish."

In a flash, Zen closed the distance, his attacks relentless and overwhelming. Josuke struggled to keep up, his strikes barely grazing Zen while he absorbed blow after blow. The cavern echoed with the sounds of their battle, each strike a thunderclap.

Despite the punishment he was taking, Josuke's eyes never lost their fire.

Zen noticed it too, and for the first time, his confidence wavered. "Why won't that fire go out?"

Josuke grinned through the pain, blood staining his teeth. "Because I'm not Giving . I'm going to win . I'm going to take you down."

With a burst of energy, Josuke unleashed a powerful strike that sent Zen skidding backward. Zen straightened, his smirk returning. "Interesting. Perhaps you're worth my time after all."

The chapter ends with Josuke and Zen charging at each other, their clash promising to shake the very foundations of the cave.