The explosion ripped through the skyscraper, concentrated and deadly. Shards of ice shot outward like a storm of jagged knives, piercing barriers, slicing concrete. One massive spike drove forward with terrifying precision, grazing Yakuro and chipping through his stomach armor. He staggered backward, chest heaving, blood seeping from the wound. His protective barrier flickered, cracking under the impact.
Raito's grin widened. Lightning danced in his eyes, a predator savoring the hunt.
Atop the shattered skyscraper, Chichiro sprinted forward, desperation written on her face. Her hands clutched Yakuro, trying to drag him to safety, but his weight pinned her in place. The ice spike still shimmered, embedded in his chest, a cruel reminder of the strike.
Yakuro's jaw tightened. With a surge of sheer will, he slammed his hand into the spike, shattering it from within. Pain coursed through his body, but he forced himself upright, collapsing onto the rooftop, blood spilling freely.
