Chapter 106

[Third Person's PoV]

Thunder rumbled once more, signaling the imminent start of their fight. Shadow was the first to move, waving his sword casually towards Beatrix, who chose to block before launching her own attack.

Back and forth they went, slowly building up speed until their movements became a blur, the wind becoming visible due to their rapid swings. Shadow grabbed his sword with both hands and unleashed a powerful swing towards Beatrix, creating a gust of wind that sent her flying from the arena.

Crouching down, Shadow built up power before leaping after Beatrix. As he left the ground, the earth beneath them started to cave in, causing a miniature earthquake that forced everyone to hold on tight.

Beatrix flipped in the air, landing on a rooftop before shooting herself back into the sky to meet Shadow halfway. Her sword glowed with a white hue as she coated it with her magic power, while Shadow's sword emitted a dark purple glow. When their swords met, sparks flew, creating a dazzling display of colors in the sky.

They moved through the city, weaving in zig-zag patterns, leaving trails of purple and white magic in their wake. Beatrix charged towards Shadow, shaping her sword with her magic power instead of unleashing a burst of energy. As she swung her sword down, Shadow smirked and didn't bother to block.

To Beatrix's surprise, her attack passed through Shadow's body without causing any visible damage. Shadow explained confidently as only a wisp of darkness passed through where her sword tried to cut, "It's not an afterimage, I'm just one with the shadows." He then punched her in the stomach, causing her to cough up blood and sending her flying back towards the arena.

Her body tumbled through the air, crashing against multiple buildings and causing her pain with each impact.

Beatrix landed flat on her back on a nearby rooftop, taking in deep breaths to recover. Shadow appeared from her shadow, looking down on her mockingly. "What's wrong, goddess? Already running low on fumes?" he taunted with a teasing expression.

Closing her eyes briefly, Beatrix leaped to her feet and twirled around, aiming her sword at him confidently. "What are you talking about? I'm just getting started," she replied, wiping blood from her mouth.

As they prepared to continue their battle, Iris suddenly appeared wielding a giant sword. "I'm here to help! If we work together, we should be able to take him down," she declared.

Shadow struggled to contain his laughter, covering his mouth and shaking with amusement. A tick mark appeared on Iris's forehead as she growled, lifting her magic sword towards him. "What's so funny?" she demanded.

Shadow sighed, dropping his head. "Do you choose to remain ignorant and oblivious on purpose or something?" he asked, ignoring her question. Iris looked at him in confusion while Beatrix seized the opportunity to heal herself.

"You've faced me while I was in disguise, even while I suppressed my power. You witnessed that you were no match against me," Shadow continued. "I revealed myself, and you saw how I toyed with the War Goddess, known for her countless years of experience and battles since the first God of War Festival.

And yet you believe that by joining this fight, with a crutch no less, you have a chance of even beating me by working together? What else do you call that except choosing to remain ignorant? When the truth is before you, you choose to ignore it and make your own narrative. You're either delusional or, as I said, choosing to remain ignorant."

"SHUT UP!" Iris shouted, churning her magic into her sword, which started to be covered in flames. "YOU DON'T KNOW A THING ABOUT ME, SO DON'T PRETEND THAT YOU DO! ENOUGH TALKING, I'M GOING TO KICK YOUR ASS!" She declared before swinging her sword, sending a wave of fire towards him.

Once more, Shadow sighed, but as he let out the sigh, the flames which approached him were snuffed out, leaving both Iris and Beatrix stupefied.

"Did he…" Iris muttered, dumbfounded.

"...Yeah," Beatrix answered, her expression growing serious.

"You know, to make it fair…" Shadow released his sword, turning it back into slime before storing it in his suit. He raised his arms, bearing his open body towards them without even bothering to take a defensive position.

"Are you looking down on us?" Iris growled, her expression angered. Even Beatrix looked unhappy.

"Yes… Yes, I am," he grinned.

Beatrix, having recovered, disappeared from where she was standing and appeared before Shadow with her sword just a few inches away from his face.

Shadow leaned back, looking as relaxed as ever, before Beatrix started aggressively slashing her sword, trying to hit Shadow. But he just stood straight, leaning to the side before leaning the other way, making Beatrix unable to land a hit on him.

Iris appeared behind Shadow, swinging her sword. Shadow just kicked behind him, kicking Iris right in her stomach and sending her flying back.

From his back kick, Shadow transitioned into a high kick where he kicked Beatrix on the chin before she had a chance to react, sending her into the sky.

Before Beatrix flew too high, Shadow grabbed her leg and threw her towards Iris, and they both were sent flying through buildings, which were empty due to the festival.

From the dust that was created, both Iris and Beatrix flew towards Shadow. Beatrix sent crescents of sword slashes towards Shadow, who just covered his hand with Haki and swatted them away.

Iris then charged most of her magic power into the sword before sending a tidal wave of flames towards him.

Shadow just moved his hands in a circular motion, causing the flames to change directions as soon as they were in front of him, heading towards the sky.

As the flames were sent towards the sky, both Iris and Beatrix appeared before Shadow once more, both swinging their swords on each side.

Shadow just crossed his arms and took hold of both swords with both hands. Due to his position, his sleeves rolled up slightly, causing a drop of rain to land on his arms.

Shadow's voice deepened, which shocked them to the core. "What's this?" He asked in a perplexed tone.

"Am I perspiring?" He asked, his tone still deep.

They both jumped back in fear, but Shadow then looked up towards the sky, which was covered in dark clouds.

More rain then started to fall before he started to chuckle and shake his head. "No… It's just the rain… These fools can never make me sweat."

Shadow then started to gain a purple outline before rising towards the sky.

But before he could be fully off the ground, Iris rushed towards him while screaming, "Don't even think about escaping! I've had enough of your theatrics. You have nowhere to run."

Shadow put a hand over his face as his body started shaking slightly. The shaking soon turned into chuckling, which stopped Iris where she stood. While Shadow continued to rise, his chuckle turned into maniacal laughter, heard by everyone in the city.

"HAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHAHA! YOU'RE MORE DELUSIONAL THAN I GAVE YOU CREDIT FOR!"

His laughter and yelling soon stopped as he gained an indifferent expression. Sparks started appearing over the clouds as his dragon eyes, visible from his hood, bore down on him, glowing with power. His CQC Haki slowly spilled out of him, causing Iris and Beatrix to be brought down to their knees, their breathing short and heavy.

"Running?" They heard his cold, indifferent words.

"Running from who? From You? Surely you jest," he scoffed. "Why would I run from a worm that can only grovel before my will?"

They then heard heavy footsteps coming from behind them. They turned around, and their eyes widened at who they were seeing.

"Then how about from me?" the man that made his appearance said.

"And who are you?" Shadow asked, looking coldly at those beneath them.

"The name's Cid Kaguno, and I'm the man that will defeat you," Cid said, taking out a sword from his side and pointing towards Shadow.

Shadow then scoffed. "Although I admit it's impressive that you are able to withstand my will, you are still too green to think you will be able to stand against me."

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A/N: Did y'all see yesterday's solo leveling episode? It was straight 🔥 💯 👌

The way Igris looked was so fucking cool, and the way Jinwoo was being thrown around, my God 😬🤧😫🤕