Forced Annihilation (1)

"Tree World."

Battered and bleeding from the corner of his mouth, Ryokugyu used his power to turn a shattered island into a forest. It was a wonder of the world.

In midair, Vergo looked down at the forest and sensed danger.

Within a forest, Ryokugyu was invincible.

Steam rising from his body, Vergo activated Return Life and vanished as though he had teleported.

Ryokugyu had exhausted himself earlier, leaving his breathing ragged. When Vergo disappeared, the forest rustled around him, and countless vines twisted together as if alive.

A punch blasted through the vines, sending wood chips flying and forcing open a path.

A tremendous crash rang out. Ryokugyu's feet sank into the ground as he slid sideways, and with a sweep of his hand, spikes formed behind him and shot toward Vergo.

Vergo kicked out. A Rankyaku slash swept forward, cutting through everything in its path, but vanished before it reached Ryokugyu.

Vergo disappeared again and reappeared behind Ryokugyu, his right hand raised high.

"Tree Realm Wall."

Grimacing, Ryokugyu used his power. Branches swiftly formed a shield behind him, its formidable defense holding against the blow.

"What a troublesome power."

The forest stirred. Vines lashed toward Vergo, forcing him to abandon his attack.

Vergo rose into the air, spread his hands, then began compressing them together.

"Air Shockwave."

He compressed the air within a ten-kilometer radius into a paw print the size of his palm and hurled it at Ryokugyu.

Ryokugyu's expression turned grave. He dared not underestimate it. Every tree behind him joined into a giant hand that surged up from the ground.

They collided with a thunderous roar. Pressure plunged downward like a meteor striking the earth, shattering the entire island and sending the surrounding sea surging upward.

"Roar!"

Sea Kings roared amid the raging waves, smashing