Chapter 89 - Not option [4]

(Hey, Prime, got 'em all set up on the ground. You good?) Sara spoke in Prime's mind.

(Great, now lend me a hand here! This guy is really getting on my nerves) Prime urgently replied in his voice.

Without responding to Prime's words, the tentacles that had previously helped people descend turned towards Ross. It's worth noting that Prime and Sara didn't control the symbiotic body independently; although it was one of their abilities, they avoided using it as it would weaken their capabilities by overloading the body with multiple simultaneous functions.

However, in the current situation, where Prime couldn't move, it was the perfect moment for Sara to use other parts of the symbiotic body at will. This wouldn't pose unnecessary risks in the fight they were facing.

Sara-controlled tentacles wrapped around Ross's arms and legs, starting to squeeze. Although it didn't seem too intense to an external observer, the force Sara applied would be enough to bend metal as if it were paper. However, she knew that, for Ross, it would be nothing more than a mere annoyance.

From Prime's point of view, he could defeat Ross relatively easily, but he would need to use all his strength to do so. Prime was sure that if he did, Ross wouldn't survive. Although reluctant to admit it, as it made him feel strange, Prime knew that his nature was comparable to that of a cosmic entity, similar to those described in the Lovecraftian books he had read in his past life.

(He seems much more resilient than the last time we fought. If we follow Bruce's logic, the angrier he gets, the stronger he'll become. And considering he's out of control now, I don't think his strength will have a limit if we keep prolonging the fight like this) Sara warned in Prime's mind.

Prime was already aware of this problem: Ross seemed to get stronger over time. The fact that Ross was able to match Prime's strength was clear evidence of this. Although Prime wasn't using 100% of his strength, the 30% he normally allowed himself to use would be enough to repel Ross.

In comparison, in the fight against Bruce, Prime needed to employ 60% of his strength. Although Prime had become considerably stronger since then, surpassing the 50% mark of his strength was already noteworthy from his perspective. Currently, Ross was forcing Prime to use 50% of his strength to maintain balance in the fight.

(Sara, sorry, I think I'm gonna have to go all out. This will probably require more of your body, but I don't think we have another choice. I need to end him as quickly as possible or the situation might spiral out of control) Prime communicated mentally with Sara.

So far, Prime had avoided using his full strength to avoid overburdening Sara. Although she was capable of enduring it, Prime knew that Sara would adapt thanks to her power. However, he wanted to minimize any discomfort for her as much as possible.

(... I can read your thoughts, so I know what you're thinking. Don't worry about me; I'm stronger than I look. Besides, as your partner, I don't want you to hold back whenever we need to fight seriously. What I'm trying to say is: let's beat him until he turns into mashed potatoes) Sara said in Prime's mind.

Upon hearing Sara's words, Prime couldn't help but let out a few laughs; from any angle, the situation was funny. However, Sara's words also gave him the necessary courage. After all, if he didn't heed Sara's request, he couldn't truly consider himself her partner.

With this thought in mind, Prime smiled and let eight tentacles emerge from his back. Each tentacle reshaped until their tips became round, similar to bowling balls. Without hesitation, Prime attacked Ross, hitting him simultaneously in various parts of the body.

This time, Prime wasn't holding back. Each blow from his tentacles sent Ross flying towards the carousel. The place was already practically deserted; it would be strange to find anyone there while two monsters faced off. In short, Prime didn't need to hold back.

Following Ross, Prime jumped onto the carousel. As expected, Ross got up as if nothing had happened. Prime had to admit that Ross was a tough nut to crack; the more force he used, the stronger and angrier Ross seemed to get.

"Raaaaaaarrrrhhhhh!" Ross roared beastially, charging fiercely against Prime right after.

Noticing Ross's fist coming towards him, Prime dodged to the side and then struck him with one of his tentacles. Ross staggered briefly backward, and Prime seized the opportunity to strike him again, this time knocking Ross to the ground.

Prime quickly wrapped Ross's feet and hands, then pressing his foot on him, began to mercilessly strike him with his remaining tentacles. Prime's attacks were so intense that the ground beneath Ross began to crack.

Then, realizing that Ross could no longer move, Prime rose into the air with his tentacles. While firmly holding Ross down on the cracked ground, Prime opened his mouth and the flaming purple energy began to form again, but this time it was clearly more intense.

The purple glow increased in intensity, radiating as if Prime were conjuring a miniature sun. Its brightness was so strong that it seemed capable of incinerating anything and extinguishing any existing life.

Next, Prime unleashed all this power against Ross, so immense that it created a huge hole that seemed to have no end. As he continued to channel his energy towards Ross, the action lasted only a few seconds, but for Ross, each moment must have seemed like an eternity.

Realizing that his attack had taken effect, Prime interrupted the flow of energy. Then, carefully, he dragged Ross, now in his human form and unconscious, to the ground. As he approached Ross, Prime stared at him for a few seconds.

Ross slowly opened his eyes, surprising Prime. Although Prime hadn't employed lethal doses of his power, he knew he hadn't held back. He had gone to the limit of what he could do without losing control.

"Why... didn't you kill me?" Ross asked, his voice trembling.

Prime stared at him for a few seconds before a part of his face opened, revealing Sara's face. Then, both Prime and Sara spoke simultaneously.

"We don't take lives without reason, you, more than anyone, should know that" they replied in unison.

Hearing these words, Ross remained silent. He couldn't deny the truth; any excuse he invented would only be that, an excuse. Moreover, Ross had also turned into a monster to fight another monster. He realized he wasn't so different from Prime or Bruce. The only difference was that neither Prime nor Bruce sought this for themselves.

"Hahahaha, who would have thought I'd be reprimanded by two kids" Ross commented with an ironic smile.

Returning to his normal symbiote face, Prime was about to speak when the sound of sirens made him pause. Although Prime wished to continue persuading Ross, he knew he couldn't risk being seen by the police; that would only cause problems later on.

"Go!" exclaimed Ross, still lying on the ground.

Prime stared at Ross for a moment and, without uttering a word, simply leaped, disappearing from the scene. Minutes later, the police and even the army arrived, but all they found was an elderly man lying on the ground, wearing only his pants. His face bore a serious yet thoughtful expression.

That day, Ross made the decision not to pursue Prime anymore, at least until he proved to be a threat. However, if that day came, Ross was determined to end Prime, even if it meant sacrificing his own life in the process.