Chapter 52: Reversal of the Battle

If Riyugi hadn't heard William's words before, she might have remained bewildered. Now, however, she was acutely aware that the masterminds had been tracking her and Shingin's every move. With her quick wits, Riyugi discerned the intent behind this elaborate scheme—the Watchers were repeatedly trying to crush Shingin's confidence and resolve. But why?

Riyugi's words rang out like an alarm bell, snapping Shingin to attention. However, the tide of the battle remained dire.

Watchers 23 and 25 stood at a distance, their mocking smirks a constant provocation. Shingin found himself trapped in a perilous position. He had to protect the two girls behind him while fending off two relentless Watchers and the overwhelming tide of serpents closing in like a dark storm. The pressure on his chest felt like a mountain, and the sword in his hand grew heavier with every passing moment. Yet, he persevered, channeling his powers into controlling the water to carve through the endless onslaught of snakes.

Sharp torrents of water sliced through the snake swarm, reducing them to fragments. Blood and venom filled the air with a nauseating stench. Despite his efforts, the snake tide showed no sign of abating. For every cluster of serpents he destroyed, more surged forth from all directions, leaving him no time to catch his breath.

Adding to the peril, Watcher 25 launched subtle, nearly invisible ranged attacks while Watcher 23 prowled in close quarters, his dagger gleaming like a venomous fang. Shingin struggled to balance offense and defense, all while shielding Riyugi and Myouka from harm.

"This can't go on!" Shingin took a deep breath, determination flashing in his eyes. Channeling his soul energy, he unleashed a surge of power into the water.

The previously elegant, fluid streams transformed into a raging waterfall, a primordial beast unleashed upon the battlefield. The torrents overwhelmed an entire section of the serpent swarm, reducing it to pulp. The air grew thick with the metallic scent of blood, but for a fleeting moment, Shingin regained control of the battlefield.

"Nice one, Shingin!" Myouka exclaimed, her voice tinged with awe and hope.

Yet, in that instant—

A cold flash streaked toward Shingin. Watcher 23 had silently closed the distance, his dagger darting toward Shingin's throat like a striking viper.

Shingin's pupils contracted sharply. On instinct, he broke his water control and pivoted. His water blade swung up just in time to deflect the dagger with a resounding clang, sparks flying on impact.

"Impressive reflexes!" Watcher 23 sneered, his movements as fluid as a phantom. He pressed his assault, his dagger a blur of deadly strikes that forced Shingin to retreat step by step.

From behind Shingin, two shrill screams cut through the chaos.

"Ahhh!"

Panic surged through Shingin as he spun around to locate Riyugi and Myouka. His heart sank at the sight—snakes had surrounded them completely. The serpents slithered and coiled, a writhing mass of black engulfing the green meadow. Myouka stood protectively in front of Riyugi, her bow slashing desperately at the encroaching swarm, but it was clear her strength was waning.

"Damn it!" Shingin cursed, his expression darkening. He bit his lip, frustration gnawing at his resolve. If he turned to rescue them, Watcher 23 would surely strike him down. Yet if he continued this grueling battle, he'd lose the chance to save them.

"You won't save them!" Watcher 23 cackled, his dagger flashing as he lunged forward once more. Meanwhile, Watcher 25 observed from a distance, his confidence in their victory evident in his chilling composure.

Shingin gritted his teeth, his mind racing as Riyugi and Myouka's cries of distress pierced his ears. He parried another strike from Watcher 23, barely evading a fatal blow. However, the dagger grazed his side, and sharp pain radiated from the wound as blood seeped through his clothing.

"Enough!" Shingin roared internally. He couldn't afford hesitation any longer.

Steeling himself, he unleashed another surge of energy. The surrounding water coalesced into a vortex, glowing faintly with his soul energy. He muttered under his breath, "No room for fear now—only resolve."

Watcher 23 sneered. "Running out of tricks, are we?" He advanced again, confident in Shingin's imminent collapse.

But Shingin's eyes burned with an intensity that stopped the Watcher in his tracks. With a sweeping motion, Shingin hurled the vortex forward. The water, imbued with his desperation and will, erupted like a tidal wave. It surged toward the serpent swarm with unparalleled ferocity, tearing through the writhing mass and leaving behind only fragmented remains.

Simultaneously, Shingin split off a smaller stream of water, forming a protective barrier around Riyugi and Myouka. Though temporary, it bought them precious moments of safety.

In the chaos, Watcher 23 seized the opportunity to strike. His dagger lunged for Shingin's chest, but the latter managed a desperate sidestep. The blade slashed his side, drawing fresh blood, yet Shingin retaliated with a backward thrust of his water blade. The unexpected counterattack forced Watcher 23 to retreat momentarily.

"Shingin, get up!" Riyugi's urgent voice broke through the din.

Staggering slightly, Shingin steadied himself, his gaze steely. Though the battle raged on, and danger loomed from every corner, he clenched his jaw. There could be no retreat, no hesitation.

This fight wasn't just for survival—it was for victory. The tide had to turn now, or all hope would be lost.