The relentless assault continued. The King's strikes were merciless — each blow landing with the force of a collapsing mountain.
Toru's knees buckled as a crushing fist smashed into his ribs. Yumi barely dodged a lethal swipe, only to be slammed into the ground moments later. The Vanguard Protocol Team members were scattered, each struggling to stay conscious.
Blood stained the cracked earth beneath them. Gasping for air, their bodies trembling from pain and exhaustion, the question echoed in their minds:
Where is Riku?
Toru's voice was hoarse as he tried to rally his strength. "Riku… where the hell are you?"
Yumi's eyes darted frantically across the battlefield, searching for any sign of their missing ally.
But before they could call out again, the King roared — a deep, terrifying sound that shook the sky.
With one brutal sweep, he knocked them all down, sending their bodies sprawling across the ground.
Pain flared through every limb. Gasping for breath, they struggled to lift their heads, the vision blurring at the edges.
The King stood over them, towering and unstoppable.
"Where is Riku?" Yumi whispered through clenched teeth, blood trickling from the corner of her mouth.
But the only answer was the King's cruel, victorious smirk.