Chapter 14: Sparks of Survival
Bottom of the Ocean – Katsu's Struggle
Katsu clenched his fists.
No fire.
His flames were nearly gone.
But there was no way in hell he was dying down here.
He tried forcing fire from his hands.
Nothing.
He tried channeling it into his feet.
Still nothing.
The pressure was crushing. His body felt like it was going to implode.
His fire was the only thing keeping him alive.
But if he used it all…
Would he die first?
Katsu gritted his teeth.
Damn it… I don't care.
If he stayed here, he was dead.
If he tried, he might die.
But if he did nothing, he was definitely dead.
Katsu took the risk.
He channeled everything.
Even the flames keeping his pressure resistance stable—
All of it—
Straight to his feet.
FWSSHH!
No fire.
But—
Sparks.
Bubbles.
They pushed him upwards.
His eyes widened.
It worked?!
He didn't need a full flame—
Just enough force to propel him.
Katsu grinned.
This could work.
He clutched the golden chest, angling himself upward.
"Alright… let's get the hell outta here."
With small bursts of sparks and bubbles, Katsu began his ascent.
If he was lucky, he could reach the surface without attracting attention.
But this was the deep ocean.
Luck didn't exist here.
⸻
Spring Vile Street – Simon's Dilemma
Simon was in bad shape.
Blood dripped from his wounds.
His vision blurred.
His movements slowed.
And Chronly was winning.
Simon had fought over and over.
But every attack—predicted.
Every dodge—read.
Every trick—countered.
Chronly stood with a casual smirk, adjusting his shades.
"Y'know, this is kinda fun."
Simon stayed silent, catching his breath.
Chronly continued, twirling a small knife between his fingers.
"Bet you're wonderin' why you can't hit me."
Simon didn't respond.
Chronly chuckled.
"See, Simon… I wasn't born with an element."
"I was born with something better."
He pointed at his temple.
"Future Sight."
Simon's eyes narrowed.
Chronly smirked.
"I see everything before it happens."
Simon clenched his fist.
No wonder his attacks were useless.
Chronly wasn't reacting—
He was acting before anything even happened.
His ability was so advanced, it turned every move into something he already planned for.
And with his chaotic personality—
It was the perfect ability.
Simon charged again.
A feint punch.
A low kick.
A sudden pivot.
Chronly dodged effortlessly.
Simon went for a straight jab.
Chronly tilted his head.
The punch missed by a hair.
Again.
Simon kept thinking.
Kept analyzing.
Kept trying.
But nothing worked.
His mind was getting foggy.
The poison.
His body was slowing down.
And Chronly was still grinning.
"C'mon, Simon. Think, think, think."
Simon's breath sharpened.
He needed to figure this out.
How do you beat someone who already knows everything you'll do?
Simon's eyes darkened.
He had to outplay an ability that made outplaying impossible.
But how?
To be continued…