LIGHTING VS. SHADOW

Skybound Odyssey – Chapter 5: Lightning vs. Shadow

Ryo cracked his knuckles, the golden sparks around his fists growing brighter. His muscles tensed as he locked eyes with Captain Malgrove.

The pirate captain smirked, tapping his saber against his shoulder. "I'll give you one last chance, kid. Hand over the ship, and I might let you live."

Ryo grinned. "Nah. I like this ship."

Malgrove sighed dramatically. "Shame. Guess I'll just have to cut you down."

In an instant, he vanished.

Ryo's instincts screamed at him to move, and he barely ducked as Malgrove's saber sliced through the air where his head had been. The wind from the slash alone sent a shiver down his spine.

He's fast… but I can be faster.

Malgrove reappeared behind him, blade flashing. Ryo spun and met the attack with his fist. Sparks erupted on impact, the force of the clash sending shockwaves across the deck.

Malgrove's eyepiece whirred. "What the hell are you?"

Ryo just smirked. "Someone who doesn't lose."

Lightning crackled around his arm, and he threw a punch. Malgrove barely dodged, flipping backward.

"You've got some real fire in you," Malgrove admitted. "But let's see how long you last!"

He darted forward again, his movements blurring. Ryo swung, but Malgrove slipped past his defenses, landing a solid kick to his gut. Ryo staggered but dug his heels in, refusing to fall.

Then he vanished.

Malgrove's eyes widened. "Wha—"

A fist crashed into his face, sending him flying across the deck. He tumbled before slamming into the mast with a sickening crack.

Lyra's jaw dropped. "Did you just—"

Ryo grinned. "Told you I could be faster."

Malgrove groaned, wiping blood from his lip. "Damn… I like you, kid. But I don't lose either."

With a flick of his wrist, he pulled something from his coat—a small device with a glowing red button.

Lyra's eyes widened. "Ryo! That's—"

Malgrove pressed the button.

BOOM!

Explosions erupted along the Stormchaser's hull. The entire ship trembled as smoke and fire burst from below deck.

Ryo's grin vanished. "Oh, hell no."

Malgrove laughed. "If I can't have this ship, neither can you!"

The Stormchaser was going down.

And Ryo had seconds to figure out how to save it.