> Area: GENESIS — Trial Gap
The ground vibrated as Kal-Ran finally opened his eyes.
Two red beams analyzed Z3RO and Hakaijin's movements in real time.
> "Analysis of opposing styles: instinctive blade vs. adaptive technology.
Probable result: failure. Test required."
He struck the ground with a single gesture.
> ⚠ [Active Skill]: Lightning Afterglow — Multiple Areas of Effect
Electric arcs rippled across the fractured tiles, forcing the two players apart. Hakaijin leaped to the side, dodging a wave, while Z3RO activated Optical Camouflage to reposition himself behind the enemy.
> Z3RO: "I'm taking him from behind."
> Hakaijin: "I'll take care of the front."
Not another word. No coordination.
Just two egos charging in parallel.
Z3RO emerged from the shadows, his gauntlet charged with EMP energy.
He struck the boss's back.
> Impact successful. -???
Kal-Ran seemed to waver… just for a moment.
In that same instant, Hakaijin unleashed a Spiral Whirlwind Strike, his saber whirring in a blue aura.
It hit the boss's hip.
> Damage inflicted: light
Resistance: 82%
Boss' neural response: Adapting…
Kal-Ran straightened. And smiled.
> "Primitive. Strong. But disunited."
He spun around dazzlingly, his mechanical arms extending like whips. Z3RO was thrown against a wall, his armor cracking with the impact.
> -164 HP | Status: Off Balance
Hakaijin attempted a counterattack—bad idea.
The boss activated a magnetic counterclaw, grabbed his blade, blocked it, and delivered a reinforced knee strike to his abdomen.
> -141 HP | Status: Stunned (2 seconds)
The next few minutes were humiliating.
Z3RO launched his drones? Kal-Ran hacked them.
Hakaijin attempted a classic Murim feint? Kal-Ran predicted the next move, adapting his style on the fly.
> [Special Ability Detected]: Adaptive Mimic—Temporarily copies enemy styles
At one point, the boss used a Murim martial style to break Hakaijin's guard, and followed up with a technological pulse cannon directly at Z3RO.
Double impact. Double technical knockout.
They stood up, panting, covered in digital scratches.
> Z3RO: "Okay… okay… He's reading our moves… like a damn pro player…"
> Hakaijin: "He's using our strengths against us. He plays better… than both of us combined."
Kal-Ran crossed his arms.
> "You're playing solo, in a world that demands unity."
He raised a hand.
> "Last chance… or Game Over."
The air vibrated again. An overload of energy accumulated around the boss.
Z3RO and Hakaijin understood at the same time:
If they keep this up… they'll die. Together.
✦ End of Chapter 12 — Critical Failure Imminent.
Next: CHAPTER 13 — A Forced Alliance: The Two Blades Attune