---
The Nameless and Beelzebub stared in stunned silence as they witnessed Aiden's severed arm knit itself back together before their very eyes. His wounds faded swiftly, as if time itself were rewinding around him.
Without warning, the injuries Aiden had just healed rippled through the air and reversed onto them. A searing pain exploded within the Nameless and Beelzebub, causing them to gasp and stagger back.
Aiden surged forward, his strikes brutal and unrelenting. He landed a devastating blow on the Nameless, shattering his defenses and wounding his very soul. The Nameless's eyes flickered with agony as the spiritual damage tore at him from within.
Turning swiftly, Aiden struck Beelzebub with equal ferocity, forcing her to stagger and clutch her side in pain. Both adversaries were severely battered, their strength waning.
"Nameless, listen to me," Beelzebub panted heavily, her breath ragged. "We can't defeat Aiden right now. We need to retreat."
"But—" the Nameless began, defiance burning in his eyes.
Before he could finish, Aiden conjured a glowing spiritual sword, its ethereal blade humming with raw power. With a swift motion, he plunged it deep into the Nameless's chest. Dark blood trickled from the corner of the Nameless's mouth.
"You should heed her warning," Aiden whispered coldly into the Nameless's ear. "I still have plans for you."
A surge of fury ignited within the Nameless. He lunged forward, aiming a desperate strike, but Aiden's spiritual blade pierced him once more.
This wound was unlike any other—no flesh was harmed, but the very fabric of his soul began to unravel, tearing apart bit by agonizing bit.
Beelzebub moved to intervene, but Aiden was faster. His blade found her too, silencing her attempt to save her comrade.
Without another word, Aiden turned and began to walk away. Before disappearing into the shadows, he cast one last chilling sentence, His voice was cold and resolute, leaving no room for doubt.
"It's time for you to leave. Your story has only just begun, and everything is proceeding exactly according to the plan."
Beaten and battered, the Nameless and Beelzebub exchanged a glance and slowly retreated into the darkness.
---
Meanwhile, near the city beside the church, Zain, Dante, and Zephyr charged into the chaos, ready to face the demons wreaking havoc among the burning streets.
Suddenly, a massive shadow loomed before them. Leviathan emerged, his form twisting and flowing like a furious ocean storm.
Zain's eyes sharpened. "Leave him to me. I'll handle this," he said firmly.
The air crackled with tension as Leviathan's cold eyes locked onto Zain. With a swift motion, Leviathan raised his hand and summoned a swirling torrent of water that erupted into razor-sharp waves rushing toward him.
Zain narrowed his eyes, activating his Fusion ability. His muscles tensed as he merged his physical strength with enhanced energy, giving him a burst of power and agility. He dashed forward, dodging and weaving through the crashing waves with remarkable speed.
Leviathan shifted his stance, molding the water into several spear-like shapes aimed precisely at Zain's vital points. Zain responded by absorbing the water's force through his Fusion power, converting it into raw strength that surged through his fists.
With a swift, powerful strike, Zain shattered the watery spears and closed the distance, delivering a heavy blow to Leviathan's armored chest.
Leviathan grunted but quickly retaliated. Raising both arms, he summoned a massive tidal wall that surged forward to block Zain's advance.
Zain leapt high, propelled by his Fusion-enhanced strength, and slammed down onto the tidal barrier, cracking it and sending spray flying in every direction.
Leviathan roared and twisted the remaining water around him into a serpent-like form that lunged toward Zain with crushing force.
Zain barely dodged, rolling to the side and retaliating with a flurry of precise punches, each strike empowered by his Fusion ability.
The serpent-like water creature lashed back, the battle continuing in a fierce, balanced dance of strength and control.
---
Meanwhile, at the Church of the Divine Grace, the air was thick with solemnity and quiet anticipation.
Machiavelli stepped inside, his footsteps echoing softly against the ancient stone floors. He approached Indrath, who stood waiting with an unreadable expression.
"Everything is proceeding exactly as planned," Machiavelli said calmly, his voice low but filled with conviction.
Indrath nodded slowly, the faintest hint of a smile touching his lips. The game was only just beginning.