Shattered Nichirin Sword

The passageway was deathly silent and dim, illuminated only by two humanoid sources of light that barely allowed one to make out the surroundings.

Senju Kyogawa sat cross-legged, his entire body wreathed in flames, as he used breathing techniques to stem the bleeding from his wounds.

After mastering the basics of breathing, Senju Kyogawa gradually discovered that every part of his body could be influenced by his breath. Furthermore, as long as one could utilize breathing effectively, one could exert precise control over their muscles and blood vessels.

Although Senju Kyogawa was currently only a beginner in breathing techniques, his high innate talent allowed him to skillfully manipulate his muscles and blood vessels to control the rate of blood loss.

With the two no longer locked in a tense standoff, the passageway returned to silence—so quiet that even the sound of their breathing was clearly audible.

When Senju Kyogawa did not initiate an attack, the "Senju Kyogawa" opposite him simply stood there, also remaining passive.

The floor radiated a faint chill that seeped through his trousers and into Senju Kyogawa's skin, helping to calm his tense and anxious heart.

Senju Kyogawa's breathing gradually became steady and heavy.

The flames covering his body burned much more fiercely now, intended to help him illuminate more of the passageway so he could observe its details more clearly.

Senju Kyogawa still dared not act rashly; he simply sat in place, tilting his head to observe the passage from top to bottom, left to right.

Most of the stone walls in the passage had been shattered into rubble by their intense battle, piling up in every corner. Only the wall at the entrance and the "Gate" at the exit remained unscathed, their sturdy appearance suggesting they could not be destroyed by any force.

In fact, that seemed to be the case; the entrance wall had remained intact even after being caught in the crossfire several times. As for the "Gate" at the exit, the battle between Senju Kyogawa and the "Senju Kyogawa" had never reached it, so how could it have been damaged?

Naturally, Senju Kyogawa found nothing unique anywhere, save for those two "Gates."

Senju Kyogawa fell into deep thought.

Since this was a place that supplied energy to the "Senju Kyogawa," then as long as that energy source was attacked or destroyed, the "Senju Kyogawa" would surely react violently.

So far, the only place in this passage that could cause the "Senju Kyogawa" to react significantly was—

The "Gate" leading out.

Senju Kyogawa narrowed his eyes, his thoughts racing.

He couldn't help but rub his fingers together, an unconscious habit he displayed when thinking or feeling nervous.

Although he wasn't certain if the "Gate" was truly the energy source, nor if the source was external rather than within the "Senju Kyogawa" itself, Senju Kyogawa still wanted to try.

But if he failed this time, his Nichirin Sword might not hold up at all.

What should I do? Should I take the gamble? Senju Kyogawa felt a surge of agitation. Kyogawa was naturally an impatient person, and being trapped in the darkness for so long was truly wearing down his patience.

In the distance, the Ugly Monster suddenly stirred, then flapped its fleshy wings and flipped its body over.

The Ugly Monster crawled slowly to Senju Kyogawa's side, wrapped its tail around his wrist, and absorbed the flames from his skin to replenish its energy.

Master, that "you" has a very strong scent of space-time on him. It was masked by the stench before, so I didn't notice. When he fought you just now, he was injured, and the scent of space-time leaked out, which is how I smelled it, the Ugly Monster whispered telepathically to Senju Kyogawa.

The scent of space-time? Ugly Monster, can you detect where his energy source is? Senju Kyogawa felt a glimmer of hope upon hearing this.

The source? I don't know about that... but it definitely isn't something he controls himself. The power of space-time cannot be wielded by a mindless puppet! the Ugly Monster stated with certainty.

Senju Kyogawa felt a pang of disappointment that even the Ugly Monster couldn't pinpoint the source, but since he knew the energy was external, the probability that the "Gate" was the source increased.

Should he try once, or hold his position for now?

The next second, a biting wind blew past; it was Senju Kyogawa, gripping his Nichirin Sword and charging forward once more.

This time, Senju Kyogawa was so fast that only a blur remained as he rushed forward with unstoppable momentum. However, his target this time was not the "Senju Kyogawa," but the "Gate" behind him.

Life is all about stepping on the gas! Senju Kyogawa thought.

Seeing Senju Kyogawa attack, the "Senju Kyogawa" immediately raised its own Nichirin Sword and unleashed the same technique.

Senju Kyogawa gripped his Nichirin Sword with both hands.

"Sun Breathing: First Form: Waltz."

The flames burning on the Nichirin Sword illuminated Senju Kyogawa's delicate and adorable face, revealing a look of determination on his youthful features. The intense, bright red flames reflected in his black eyes, making them shine even brighter.

However, this time, Senju Kyogawa intentionally tilted his blade by an inch. The moment the "Senju Kyogawa" drew near, he used his superior body control to release his left hand from the sword, dodged the attack by shifting his body to the side, and struck toward the "Gate."

With a "crack," the fissures on the Nichirin Sword widened; silver-white cracks spread across the pitch-black blade, and it began to crumble.

But Senju Kyogawa saw that a crack had also appeared on the "Gate."

The "Senju Kyogawa" paused for an imperceptible moment, then flew into a rage, swinging its Nichirin Sword toward Senju Kyogawa.

Senju Kyogawa took a deep breath, grounding his strength, and dodged to the side the moment the "Senju Kyogawa" struck.

Due to its momentum, the "Senju Kyogawa" slashed directly into the "Gate." The immense power exploded upon the impact between metal and stone, creating a powerful shockwave.

The "Senju Kyogawa" dissipated within this force, and Senju Kyogawa was sent flying by the shockwave.

The stone wall finally shattered.

Senju Kyogawa collapsed outside the "Gate," and the Nichirin Sword in his hand shattered completely the moment it touched the ground, turning into specks of starlight that vanished into the air.

In a daze, Senju Kyogawa felt someone pick him up. It was so warm, so steady, and so comforting.

The person wiped the blood from the corner of Senju Kyogawa's lips, their gentle demeanor just like Senju Haruko's...

Mother... Senju Kyogawa whispered silently before sinking into a deep unconsciousness.

[Ding!]

[Host has completed the mission! Scattered fragments of otherworldly energy have been recovered...]

[Distributing rewards...]