Failing to Break Through the Protagonist’s Armor

The mist that had just been released from Enya's body was instantly devoured by the Blackbird.

Rather than using a spatial erasure via the Void Miasma, it was the Blackbird's direct devouring ability that effortlessly absorbed the mist.

The mist form substitute did indeed have a significant advantage: immunity to physical attacks.

But its weaknesses were just as obvious—it was highly susceptible to abilities that could absorb or influence it, with its loose misty form making it difficult to control.

Zuke, however, didn't worry about the Blackbird absorbing "Justice" and encountering this flaw while using his mist form.

This was because, when using the "Void Miasma" ability earlier, Zuke had already confirmed that he could freely toggle any abilities gained through devouring.

In other words, if someone attempted to counter the mist-form Blackbird by inhaling it, he could revert Blackbird back to a solid state at any time.

At that point, anyone trying to suck up Blackbird would probably have to see what it's like to take a punch from him.

"Impossible, my Stand actually…"

A look of terror flashed across Enya's pale face, and the suffocating sensation overwhelmed her, causing her to instantly lose consciousness.

Already on the verge of death from the hole in her chest, coupled with her Stand being entirely absorbed, she struggled to breathe, and with multiple factors combined, Enya passed away with barely a struggle.

"Watching your loyal subordinate die just like that? Such a cold-hearted vampire."

Controlling the Blackbird, Zuke swung a fist, flinging Enya's corpse off its arm. Her lifeless body, stained with blood that barely looked vital, landed by the staircase.

Now he stood at the bottom of the stairs, and Dio stood at the top—a scene straight out of the iconic moment in JoJo's Bizarre Adventure Part 3.

In the original work, Polnareff attempted to walk up the stairs to face Dio, only for Dio to stop time with "The World" and return Polnareff to the bottom, creating the illusion he had never moved.

This is why, at the time, many fans jokingly referred to Dio's Stand ability as "stair manipulation."

Of course, Zuke knew the real power of Dio's Stand, "The World"—a powerful ability to stop time for several seconds.

In Part 3's climax, Dio absorbed Joseph Joestar's blood, allowing his head and the stolen Joestar body to fully merge, extending the time stop to nine seconds.

Now, though, Dio could only stop time for about five seconds, right?

Even so, it was powerful, but Zuke felt no threat at all.

Unlike the original protagonists, Zuke had coated himself in "Ki," so even if Dio stopped time, he couldn't possibly penetrate Zuke's defense.

"Enya's usefulness has come to an end. Her incompetence brought about her own death—such was her fate."

Despite Zuke's taunting remark, Dio remained posed at the top of the stairs, his expression obscured in shadow.

Dio indeed displayed no concern over Enya's death. To him, subordinates were disposable pawns.

Even Enya, who had provided him with the means to awaken his Stand, this mansion, and various followers, was no exception.

"But you—your Stand is Blackbird, correct? An interesting name. Did you come up with it yourself?"

Enya's topic was brushed aside so casually. Who knows what Enya would think if she knew how indifferent Dio was to her.

But Dio clearly didn't care about Enya's feelings now. He looked at Zuke, speaking as if they were old friends.

"Your ability seems shadow-based, able to devour and contain things... Quite a power."

Indeed, without an omniscient viewpoint, Dio couldn't discern the true nature of Zuke's "Blackbird."

After all, Dio saw his own Stand, "The World," as the ultimate Stand, possessing truly invincible power and abilities—the capacity to control the world itself.

To consume other Stands and acquire their powers, an ability so exaggerated, went beyond Dio's understanding of Stand abilities. He couldn't imagine it and would certainly never admit to something stronger than his own Stand.

"My name, you should already know—Dio."

Since Zuke didn't respond, Dio continued on his own.

"I value you. Your power surpasses Enya's. Join me, and you shall be part of the new world."

This offer was in line with Dio's personality; in the original series, he invited members of the protagonist group and even spoke of becoming friends.

But anyone with a bit of sense could tell Dio was just bluffing—there was no way he would see anyone as a friend.

The only people Dio might truly acknowledge as friends were likely for special reasons.

"No need for such nonsense, right?"

After Dio finished his rather laughable invitation, Zuke cracked his neck and replied.

"I've seen how you treated Enya. Do you really think I'd fall for your crap?"

It was possible, though, that some would see Dio's treatment of his subordinates and still join him.

According to such people, Dio was their savior as villains; only under Dio's banner would their villainous deeds hold any value.

But unfortunately, this mindset meant nothing to Zuke—he wasn't some scumbag who killed for pleasure. If he killed, it was for a reason.

"Is that so? The invitation failed, then…"

Dio lowered his head, apparently not too disappointed, suggesting that Zuke's refusal was anticipated.

"Then, please die."

With those words, Zuke saw Dio's body suddenly vanish from the stairs.

This wasn't high-speed movement. While Dio's physical abilities were superior to an ordinary person's, they were entirely insignificant before Zuke.

Leaving no afterimage, Dio's action meant only two possibilities: either he had also mastered teleportation, or…

He had stopped time!

Zuke's heart tightened. Time stop was indeed formidable. Without his awareness, Dio had already disappeared.

In Dragon Ball, the Ginyu Force's Guldo could similarly affect even the strong Vegeta with time stop, despite his own lower power.

But just then, Zuke felt a tap on his back, making his body jolt slightly.

He turned around to find Dio behind him, an expression of disbelief on his face. His left hand clutched his right wrist, which hung limply as if dislocated.

To be continued…

Since this is the first month of the book's launch, I shall be posting 2 chapters on daily basis. Also a special thanks to the supporters on the Patreon because they are the reason I will be able to support the original creator as half of his work is completely paid.

Nonetheless, Hand over your Power Stones, Ningen!