Hikaru vs Moriya - Part 2

Light vs Wood

The golden aura surrounding Hikaru flared as the remnants of Moriya's vines burned away under the raw energy of the Element of Light.

Moriya's expression remained calm, but his hazel eyes sharpened.

"Good," Moriya said. "You're finally using your full strength."

Hikaru flexed his fingers, feeling the power hum through his veins. "Let's see if I can keep up with you now."

Moriya lifted his hand, and the forest responded.

Roots burst from the ground, branches stretched unnaturally, and leaves danced in the air like living blades.

Then, in an instant—

They charged at each other.

A Clash of Elements

Hikaru dodged the first wave of vines, using his light-infused speed to weave between them. He countered with a flash of golden energy, slicing through the entanglements like a blade.

But Moriya wasn't idle.

He moved with the forest, his steps light yet firm, his control over the Element of Wood almost instinctive.

The trees themselves reacted to him, sending branches whipping forward like spears.

Hikaru gritted his teeth and countered—he formed a barrier of light, letting the wooden attacks slam against it harmlessly.

Then, in one swift motion, he blasted a beam of energy straight at Moriya.

Moriya dodged, rolling to the side, but Hikaru was already closing in, aiming a glowing fist toward his opponent's chest.

At the last second, Moriya redirected a branch, twisting it into a shield.

BAM!

The impact shattered the wooden defense, sending shockwaves through the ground.

They both skidded backward, breathing heavily, but neither fell.

They stared at each other, grinning.

Moriya chuckled. "Not bad."

Hikaru wiped sweat from his forehead. "You too."

They both took a step forward—but then, simultaneously, they paused.

Their bodies tensed.

Because suddenly—

A scream echoed through the forest.

An Unexpected Attack

Without hesitation, both Hikaru and Moriya snapped their heads toward the sound.

More screams followed.

Tribe members appeared and disappeared, as if they were being taken away in an instant.

Mei covered her mouth in shock. "W-What's happening?!"

Teshii cursed under his breath. "Damn it… I know what's happening."

Then—he saw him.

A figure appeared and disappeared in flashes, teleporting effortlessly between the trees.

Teshii's eyes darkened.

"Shifter."

The mutant was fast—too fast. He moved unpredictably, grabbing tribe members and vanishing before they could react.

More tribe warriors ran into the clearing, weapons drawn, but they were too slow.

Every time they swung, Shifter was already gone.

Then—Shifter teleported just a few feet away from Teshii.

The two locked eyes.

Shifter smirked. "Long time no see."

Teshii's hands tightened into fists.

"Oh, great," he muttered. "It just had to be you."

Teshii Takes Charge

Shifter vanished again, grabbing another tribe member before reappearing further away.

Hikaru's eyes widened. "He's taking them!"

Moriya gritted his teeth. "We need to stop him—"

But before Moriya could finish his sentence, Teshii stepped forward, cracking his neck.

"No," Teshii said. "You guys handle rescuing the tribe."

He rolled his shoulders, his grin returning—but this time, it wasn't playful.

"I'll handle him."

Shifter grinned back. "Just like old times, huh?"

Teshii took a low stance, his muscles coiling like a spring ready to snap.

"Yeah," Teshii said, his eyes burning with determination.

"Let's settle this."