HHES: Chapter 72

Machi saw an opportunity. The instant Loki relaxed, she lunged forward, her Nen threads concealed, her hand reaching for Loki with incredible speed, like a gust of wind. Simultaneously, from a different angle, Feitan sprang into action, his umbrella transformed into a makeshift sword, thrusting towards Loki.

Both attacks arrived at the same time, their incredible speed creating a series of piercing whistles. Loki, barely tilting his head, evaded Feitan's attack at the last moment, simultaneously shifting his body to avoid Machi's grasp.

In a flash, their figures intertwined. In that instant, Machi and Feitan saw Loki smiling at them, a smile that held an undeniable threat, sending a chill down their spines.

Boom boom!! Their attacks missed; they quickly retreated. Loki, watching them retreat, unleashed a burst of flames, his Nen engulfing the surrounding air currents.

"Divine Fire..." he murmured, his Nen rippling outwards from his hands. His eyes closed slightly. "...Shiranui."

Boom boom! Two jets of flame shot from Loki's hands, hurtling towards Feitan and Machi. The red light flashed past them in an instant.

Their faces fell. 'The flames are too fast!' Feitan dodged one, but Machi was slower and a flame grazed her waist.

"Machi!" Feitan called out worriedly.

At that moment, Nobunaga's attack descended from above.

Taking advantage of Feitan and Machi's attack, he leaped, his Nen concentrated on his sword tip. If it hit Loki, it would pierce him instantly, unless Loki concentrated his Nen on that spot for defense. But when Loki used flames, his Nen was diverted, weakening his defense. The stronger the flame attack, the weaker his Nen defense.

The Troupe knew this. Feitan and Machi's attack was to create an opening for Nobunaga.

Machi, still moving, looked back. 'Nobunaga's attack is from a blind spot; it's unavoidable.'

Feitan looked at Loki too. 'Even if his Nen is stronger, counterattacking will weaken his defense. That's our chance.' He smiled, imagining Loki pierced by Nobunaga's sword.

Nobunaga's attack was about to land. Loki, without looking up, smiled slightly.

"That's your combined attack? Disappointing."

Boom! Nobunaga's attack landed, but Loki had subtly shifted his footing, evading the strike. The sword struck the ground with a loud clang.

Nobunaga stared in astonishment. 'How did he see my attack? I jumped from a blind spot. How could he notice me while dodging Machi and Feitan?'

Bang! Loki kicked Nobunaga, sending him flying dozens of meters, creating a large crater when he landed.

Boom!! Flames surged like a tidal wave, instantly engulfing Feitan's vision. In the blink of an eye, the flames spread like a raging sea.

Boom boom boom! The flames struck the ground, causing the earth to crack and tremble. The hard ground was as fragile as tofu, shattering under the flames' impact. Rocks and earth were pulverized.

As the flames consumed Feitan, he saw Loki's figure—a slender form in a white cloak, a smile on his face.

'Monster!' The flames cut off Feitan's view, the intense heat radiating from the inferno. Feitan, Machi, and Nobunaga were all engulfed.

Buzz buzz buzz! Roaring sounds echoed. The intense flames burned the earth. The pit created by Uvogin's punch was filled with flames. The red light illuminated the sky.

The other Troupe members outside looked up. They couldn't see inside, but they heard the explosions and saw the light. Franklin, Nobunaga, and Shizuku looked grave.

"Are Nobunaga and the others alright?" Nobunaga asked worriedly.

Franklin remained silent, his face grim. Shizuku stared at the sky, imagining the intensity of the battle. She and Nobunaga were weaker than Feitan and the others; joining would only hinder them. They could only wait.

The explosions subsided, and the Dai Enkai: Onibi vanished. The flames died down. The three exchanged glances and charged into the area, jumping over the dissipating fire wall.

The sight that greeted them made their faces change. Flames burned the earth; even before landing, they felt the intense heat.