SOUL-SEEKER || (On Hiatus)

(Chapter 23) Predators' Fangs.

In the presence of a formidable opponent, the pair of hunters, standing side by side, found themselves confronted with a challenge of immense proportions. Recognizing the gravity of the situation, they collectively harnessed the full extent of their physical and mental prowess, channeling their inner strength and sharpening their senses to a razor's edge. With unwavering determination and a shared commitment, they channeled every ounce of their resolve and determination into fueling the fiery spirits that would drive them in their impending battle.

VLT: Let's go, hothead.
ETH: Right behind you.

Violet and Ethan, fueled by their determination to confront Kaden, made a simultaneous dash toward their formidable opponent. With calculated coordination, they initiated a maneuver, encircling Kaden in a strategic attempt to divert his unwavering focus. Despite their nimble movements, Kaden's steely gaze remained resolute, adapting effortlessly to the varying speeds of their approach. As the tension escalated, Ethan channeled electric currents from the soles of his feet. These currents surged through him, propelling his body forward like a bolt of lightning. With remarkable speed, he hurled himself at Kaden, determined to engage him head-on. Kaden disposed Victors' unconscious body and swiftly redirected his attention towards Ethan. His powerful lunge propelled him toward Ethan, and with a fierce grip, he seized Ethan's face, tightening his hold with relentless determination. However, in the midst of this intense struggle, Kaden failed to discern the buildup of electricity within Ethan's palms. With a sudden release, Ethan discharged the pent-up electric current, its charge penetrating Kaden's skin and surging into his very core, frying Kaden's internal organs, inflicting severe damage.

VLT: We'll finish this one clean attack!

In a sudden and unexpected maneuver, Violet materialized stealthily from the shadows, her presence unnoticed by Kaden until it was too late. With a determined purpose, she drew close to him, her hand poised and ready. As her palm met the surface of Kaden's back, a spark of energy surged through her fingertips. With practiced precision, she swiftly formed a complex hand seal, invoking her technique .With it, she tapped into the very essence of Kaden's life force. As she initiated the transfer, a connection was established, and she began to draw this vital life force into herself. It coursed through her veins.

KDN: Is that all you weaklings can do?!

However, their efforts to mount a swift counterattack proved futile, for the moment had already slipped through their fingers. Kaden, their opponent, had proven to be resilient and adaptive, with his body seemingly evolving in response to their relentless assault. Kaden's skin, as if possessed by a supernatural defense mechanism, now acted as a mirror-like surface, deflecting the electric charge unleashed by Ethan with astonishing precision. The once-potent energy, intended to harm Kaden, was instead redirected back at its source. The result was both startling and devastating, as the electric discharge struck Ethan with unrelenting force, propelling him uncontrollably into the dense forest, where the trees bore the brunt of his unexpected collision. Meanwhile, Violet's desperate attempt to siphon Kaden's life force had taken an unexpected and sinister turn. As the stolen vitality coursed through her veins, it became apparent that it carried an unforeseen consequence. The life force, once vibrant and potent, began to unravel within her, unraveling not only itself but also eroding Violet's own life force. Suddenly, as if in response to a primal command, the earth beneath them stirred with an almost sentient force. From the soil, gnarled and ancient roots burst forth, their sinuous forms twisting and writhing as if guided by an otherworldly intelligence. These tenacious tendrils swiftly coiled around Violet's outstretched arm, tightening their grip with an inexorable force. In a gruesome yet strangely protective act, the roots tore Violet's arm from her body, severing it cleanly and saving her from the impending peril. Her pain was undeniable, but it was eclipsed by the grim realization that this horrifying act had likely spared her from even graver harm. Kaden bore a malicious smirk on his face.

KDN: Ha! I admire your brave act, but with one arm and two knocked out friends, how do you plan on defeating me?
VLT: (Tsk, he's right. I have no chance whatsoever. My only chance is to run away and leave those two, but that isn't what Master Kaito taught me...)
KDN: So what will it be?
VLT: Kaden, do you know what soulcrafts' most refined technique is?
KDN: This turning into a quiz show? Whatever, it's a zone.
VLT: That's true... however, soularia isn't just the expansion of a zone.
KDN: Your bluff won't work on me.
VLT: To hell with all of it! I'll give it my all even if I die!
KDN: Your determination is lovely!
VLT: Soularia Burst! Divine Earth Judgement!

A massive quantity of soul essence gathers and concentrates upon Violet's outstretched palms. An intense radiance emanates from her hands, illuminating her surroundings, while the ground beneath her gradually deteriorates and decays. Violet's technique is truly extraordinary, it bestows upon her the remarkable ability to draw and absorb the life force from any object or living entity she makes contact with. In the realm of soulcraft, a burst signifies the pinnacle of one's power, an ultimate manifestation of their capabilities, a maximum output, if you will. Violet's burst, in particular, stands as a testament to her exceptional prowess. This extraordinary technique enables her to harness and siphon the life essence not only from living beings within her proximity but also from the very Earth itself, which, in a philosophical sense, can be considered a living entity in its own right. However, at the very moment when Violet was on the cusp of unleashing the formidable power contained within her burst, an unforeseen and dramatic turn of events unfolded. Suddenly, as if in a swift and unexpected twist of fate, roots erupted from the earth's surface with astonishing vigor and determination. These tenacious roots, as if guided by a will of their own, forcefully penetrated Violet's very soul, causing an intense and agonizing sensation that led to her coughing up crimson streams of blood.

End of Chapter 23
"Predators' Fangs"

[ Team C has been subdued. ]