THE ULTUMATE BATTLE BEGINS

Chapter 73: A Bet Against Extinction – Shen vs. Zaniel Begins

(Ultimate Fight Arc – Part 1)

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Dimension Zero — Above Earth, between space and existence…

The skies twisted into pure shadow as Zaniel, the red-haired cosmic Flamewatcher, hovered in mid-air — arms folded, legs crossed, and floating like a meditating god. Shen faced him, Twin Blades drawn, eyes narrowed with purpose.

> Zaniel (bored voice): "So… shall we fight for the fate of your planet? Sounds fun."

> Shen: "This isn't a game! Earth is full of people I care about. If I lose, they all die."

> Zaniel (chuckling): "Then you better not lose. But I'll warn you… I'm only using 1% of my power. For now."

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The Cosmic Wager

If Zaniel wins: Earth will be erased — all humans gone.

If Shen wins: Zaniel will spare the Earth… and become Shen's ally.

> Kenya (watching): "That guy's energy… it's not even trying to hurt Shen. He's just playing."

> Ruke: "He's a god... and he's treating Shen like a game toy."

> Eliz (quietly): "But Shen's not giving up. That's the difference between a god... and a Drifter."

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The First Exchange – Toying With Shadows

Shen charges with Dark Mage Form 2 — blades slicing void, magic blasting like black lightning. His attacks should be powerful.

But Zaniel?

He dodges them effortlessly — spinning, yawning, dancing through the void.

> Zaniel (smirking): "That tickled. Are you trying to win… or entertain me?"

> Shen (gritting teeth): "You're mocking me?!"

Zaniel backflips, flicks one fire-glowing finger, and sends Shen flying backward like a comet — crashing into a floating crystal moon.

Shen coughs, standing up, body bruised.

> Shen (growling): "You haven't seen me fight for real either."

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Zaniel's Playful Power: Fire Games of a God

Zaniel floats downward and begins launching comedic yet terrifying attacks:

Fireballs shaped like kittens that explode in flame

Miniature suns that orbit Shen just to distract him

A flaming chair he sits in mid-fight, watching Shen try to break through

> Zaniel: "You Drifters have heart. Let's see how far it gets you before I get bored."

> Shen (rising slowly): "Keep mocking. I'll make you fight for real."

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Final Scene – Shen's Eyes Glow Bright

Shen activates his Twin Blade Seal Release, breaking a limiter inside himself. The space cracks around his magic surge. His Supreme Lord Eye glows half-blue, sensing the depths of Zaniel's energy.

> Shen (to himself): "He's not even trying… But I'll make him. I'll show him I'm not just human… I'm me."

Zaniel smirks — and finally opens one eye fully glowing red, just a flicker of true power.

> Zaniel (serious tone): "Alright, Shen Karguro. Impress me."

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End of Chapter 73

> Next: Chapter 74 – When Gods Get Bored... Things Die