"It's over!" Watcher 20 sneered, his dark power converging into an invisible blade that pressed down on Shingin from all sides, radiating lethal intent and locking onto his aura. With no strength left to evade, Shingin closed his eyes slightly, awaiting the cold embrace of death.
His consciousness was already fading. Shingin couldn't discern if he was alive or dead; all he could feel was the searing pain in his chest and the chilling numbness spreading through his limbs. The world around him dimmed, leaving only the frenzied laughter of the Watchers ringing in his ears—a cruel proclamation of his impending demise.
"No… this can't…" Shingin's thoughts weakly fought back, but his body's exhaustion and his slipping awareness almost made him surrender entirely.
In that instant, an unseen force suddenly erupted, repelling the deadly strike like an unyielding barrier. The attack that had been closing in on Shingin was forcibly deflected, sending out shockwaves that pushed the Watchers back.
Shingin trembled as he felt a strange yet familiar presence—a power both warm and resolute. Lifting his head with difficulty, he saw figures emerging through the storm, their outlines blurry through his bloodshot eyes.
Standing at the forefront was Kyobei. With one hand extended in a gripping motion, the air around him twisted visibly, his telekinetic power forming an invisible wall that separated Shingin from Watcher 20. Kyobei smirked with a hint of playfulness. "Oh, Shingin junior, you're a mess. If it weren't for me, I'd love to see how much longer you could hold out." His tone was teasing, almost flippant, but his eyes gleamed coldly.
"Kyobei…senpai!" Shingin murmured, a faint glimmer of hope igniting in his battered heart.
"This battlefield just got interesting," Kyobei remarked, his gaze shifting to the enemies ahead. His expression darkened. "But there are quite a lot of them. A real party."
From the shadows stepped Erukasu, his form seemingly blending with the rain and wind, as if ready to vanish at any moment. His ability to manipulate shadows made his movements almost imperceptible. Standing to Shingin's side, he muttered coldly, "Less chatter, Kyobei. The enemies are numerous, and fighting is inevitable." His tone was sharp, carrying disdain, though his focus remained locked on the Watchers' key combatants.
To their flank, Myoun strode forward, his presence shrouded by an ominous dark mist that seemed capable of devouring everything. His narrowed eyes glinted with bloodlust. "Tch, this lineup's got some bite. Just my kind of fun." Myoun's voice was deep and menacing, like the growl of a predator about to strike, his very aura suffused with murderous intent.
The last figure was Haiihito, his heavy steps echoing as though each one struck the core of the battlefield. His steel-like physique radiated an imposing aura, carrying the weight of an unyielding mountain. Haiihito cast a brief glance at Shingin's bloodied form, his expression unreadable as he said, "Don't die too soon, Shingin. We're not here to babysit."
Kyobei waved dismissively. "Come on, Haiihito, no need to be so harsh. Shingin's had it rough enough. And now, thanks to our heroic timing, we've got his back." As he spoke, his telekinetic force surged again, hurling an attacking Watcher violently backward.
"Myoun-senpai! Erukasu-senpai! Haiihito-senpai!" Shingin's voice wavered, trembling with both disbelief and newfound determination.
The Watchers' attention swiftly shifted to the newcomers.
Watcher 20's face darkened. He gritted his teeth and spat a curse. "Damn it, where did all these pests come from?" His gaze lingered on Myoun and Haiihito, sensing a dangerous aura emanating from both.
Watcher 21 clenched his fists, his muscular frame glistening menacingly under the rain. "Hmph, this just got more fun. Time to see how strong these guys really are."
Watcher 23's cold eyes scanned the field as he spoke in a low, grave tone. "Stay alert. They're not to be underestimated. We need to end this quickly—no more delays."
Shingin struggled to steady himself. Blood continued to flow from his wounds as he squinted to make out the familiar figures through his blurred vision. Kyobei's telekinetic shield stood between him and the Watchers' relentless attacks, while Myoun's dark aura, Erukasu's shadowy lethality, and Haiihito's mountain-like presence rekindled memories of their shared battles.
"You…" Shingin's hoarse voice trembled, filled with awe and gratitude.
Kyobei turned and grinned. "Don't get the wrong idea, Shingin. We're not here to save you. Just cleaning up some trash while we're at it." With a casual wave, he unleashed a surge of telekinetic force, sending another group of Watchers flying.
Erukasu remained silent, his shadowy power coalescing into a blade as he vanished into the storm, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
Haiihito hefted a massive steel hammer, his expression cold. "Shingin, stay out of the way. From here on, don't make this harder for us."
Myoun licked his lips, the black mist around his twin daggers thickening. "Watchers? Hah. All of you are dead men."