CH 4 Victory and doubts

For a brief moment, Ryo's confidence faltered as the Golem's fiery eyes started to throb more vibrantly, illuminating the battlefield with a strange light. It emitted a soft, mechanical rumble as the surrounding air shimmered with heat and crackling energy. 

"Uh, I believe I just upset it," Ryo murmured, instinctively taking a step back. His smile wavered but remained intact. "That's okay, however." Occurs during boss battles frequently, doesn't it? "Second stage and everything related." 

The Golem's fiery core glowed brighter, and its enormous form started to emit waves of elemental power. Flames erupted and bolts of electricity crackled from its limbs, with the immense power causing the ground below to splinter and break apart. 

From his viewpoint, Orion's demeanor became serious. "Ah, so the Golem has energized its Elemental Drive." A provision incorporated into these frameworks by the ancients. By harnessing the fundamental essence of the elements, it not only enhances its power but also generates an energy field that disturbs more fragile life forms. "Indeed a powerful force... if one does not possess the strength to endure it." 

Ryo's mind raced as he searched for solutions. He sensed the heat increase, the static charge tingling on his skin. Moisture gathered on his brow, yet he compelled himself to remain composed, his thoughts racing back to the numerous hours he had dedicated to examining analogous situations in games and literature. 

"Okay, Ryo, consider." It's simply a huge elemental annihilation device now. Not a big issue. "I just need to steer clear of being fried, melted, or, you know, completely destroyed," he joked, evading a sudden bolt of lightning that charred the earth where he had just been. 

The Golem swung its arm once more, this time leaving a trail of flames that scorched the air. Ryo hardly had a moment to dodge, as the flames brushed against his jacket. 

His breath came in rasps, his body objecting to each motion. 

"Alright, perhaps a *slight* wave of panic is warranted in this situation," he whispered, clenching his jaw. 

The Golem faced him, its bright eyes slanting as though it acknowledged Ryo's tactic. It struck the earth with its fists, unleashing a surge of fire and lightning that rushed toward him. There was no opportunity to ponder—only to respond. 

Ryo jumped high, rotating his body in the air to evade the lethal explosion. However, he had exhausted all choices, was short of air, and had run out of fortune. The Golem's other hand was already descending, quicker than he could evade. 

"Curse it," Ryo snarled. "I suppose I have no option." 

In that brief moment, Ryo's expression changed. The anxiety and fatigue dissipated, giving way to a clear, concentrated tranquility that contrasted with the turmoil surrounding him. Time appeared to stretch as he lifted his hand, his palm shimmering softly with a deathly violet glow. 

"Let's make this brief," he whispered softly, a sardonic grin forming at the edges of his mouth. "I wish those old farts haven't noticed me yet." 

The violet glow in his hand burst forth, creating a complex symbol in the air. The energy that ensued was not showy or excessive—it was measured, exact, and annihilating. A ray of violet light burst forth, hitting the Golem's molten center with precise accuracy. The impact generated a shockwave that traveled through the air, causing the Golem to freeze, its Elemental Drive faltering as the internal energy was disturbed. 

The Golem's enormous form rocked, the glowing core fading as fissures appeared on its metal structure. Ryo stumbled backward, gripping his side, the dim light in his hand quickly diminishing. He was panting, clearly fatigued, and pained yet his grin remained unchanged. 

"Okay, big fella," he remarked, looking at the Golem. "You don't seem to be doing so well now." Without any intention of making a joke.

The Golem emitted a last, metallic groan before its form crumbled into a pile of melted metal and sparking remnants. The earth shook below it, but soon there was stillness. 

Ryo stood up straight, clearing the sweat from his forehead. "Whoa." "I would rate that as approximately a strong seven out of ten on the disaster scale." He directed his eyes upwards to Orion, who remained resting in the sky. "What?" Don't stare at me in that manner. "I took care of it." 

Orion did not reply right away. Rather, he observed Ryo with an inquisitive fervor. "Managed, indeed," he murmured quietly to himself. "However, that light… it was not merely a form of divine energy." It had the sign of… No, it couldn't possibly be. "What game are you engaged in, boy?"