The sun rose over a city scarred by Obsidian's destruction. Smoke still curled from rubble, sirens echoed faintly, and the streets were littered with debris. The battle had ended, but the cost was painfully real.
Mikey stood among the ruins, fists still tingling from Phantom Tempest, staring at collapsed buildings and injured civilians.
Jin, aura subdued after fully unleashing Wrath Mode, walked beside him, surveying the damage with quiet determination.
Rebuilding and Reflection
Emergency crews worked tirelessly, civilians helping each other where they could. The city was battered, but not broken.
Mikey and Jin began assisting in reconstruction, using their skills to clear rubble, save trapped people, and secure dangerous zones.
Both reflected on the consequences of their battles: victory had come at a cost, teaching them that power alone couldn't protect everyone.
Training and Growth
Mikey's uncle returned, impressed with his growth. He revealed advanced Phantom Tempest techniques, pushing Mikey toward mastering his mode fully:
Phantom Cyclone – a spinning barrage that can hit multiple targets while maintaining defensive momentum.
Iron Resolve Plus – a defensive enhancement allowing Mikey to absorb near-lethal strikes without collapsing.
Jin trained with his father in secret, refining Mirror Flow and perfecting Wrath Mode Discipline, ensuring he could unleash full power safely when the next threat appeared.
Emotional Recovery
Despite the training, both fighters wrestled with guilt and grief:
Mikey mourned the civilians lost and the scars left on the city.
Jin carried the emotional weight of pushing his full Wrath Mode while watching destruction unfold.
Their shared struggle strengthened their bond, reminding them that heroism wasn't just about fighting—it was about responsibility, sacrifice, and resilience.
Seeds of the Next Arc
Reports began to surface of new gangs forming in the chaos, hinting at opportunists exploiting the city's weakened state.
A shadowy figure was spotted at the outskirts of the city, observing Mikey and Jin's recovery, setting the stage for future threats.
Mikey and Jin exchanged a glance:
Mikey: "We got through Obsidian… but it's not over."
Jin: "No. And next time, we'll be ready."