One against three!
Arthur still chose to press forward into the greater difficulty.
He had never been the type to shrink back in the face of hardship. Even when obstacles stood clearly in his way, his only instinct was to meet them head-on.
Unless it was absolute suicide—an inevitable death sentence—Arthur would never retreat.
The first retreat, the second retreat, the third retreat…
Once retreat becomes instinct, you're already a broken man. Retreating is never just a simple act.
"Wind King's Hammer!"
Arthur struck first. The Clown Mask took a step back, while the Devil Mask surged forward.
"Tekkai!"
Boom!
Arthur's attack landed squarely on Devil Mask's body, but it was perfectly blocked. His arms crossed, combining Tekkai with Armament Haki, forming a terrifying wall of defense.
Arthur's eyes gleamed with interest. Even the so-called unbreakable laws of Tekkai weren't absolute.
Of course, his assault wasn't about to end there.
"Wind King's Sword!"
"Wind King's Spear!"
Blades of wind and long spears of air pierced forward. Arthur's barrage was relentless, leaving no room for hesitation. The only thing missing was him following up with an Excalibur blast for good measure.
"Wind King's Scythe!"
At the same time, Arthur swung down with his Invisible Blade, unleashing a colossal wave of cutting power that engulfed everything around him.
"Retreat."
Clown Mask gave the order.
The three CP0 agents moved with blinding speed, pulling back at once with no attempt to resist. Instead, they slipped away in a coordinated withdrawal, leaving Arthur frowning slightly. "Retreating?" he thought.
A second later, his instincts screamed. Danger was coming.
Whipping around, Arthur raised his Invisible Blade to block.
"Shigan!"
Clang!!!
Even if the Invisible Blade deflected the strike, force could still transfer through. The piercing thrust made Arthur's arm go numb from the shock.
"Tch!"
Clenching his left fist, Arthur threw a punch forward.
Demon Mask intercepted, blocking his strike, while Devil Mask appeared behind him, bringing down another attack.
"Wind King's Shield!"
Arthur braced himself. His muscles bulged with explosive strength, forcing both Clown Mask and Demon Mask backward. But instead of pressing his advantage against them, he spun, focusing all his power on Devil Mask.
Old strength spent, new strength not yet gathered—
It was the perfect moment to strike Devil Mask.
"Wind King's Hammer!"
"Tekkai!"
Without hesitation, Devil Mask crossed his arms to block. He knew dodging was impossible against Arthur's current onslaught. The only choice was to endure it head-on.
The gale-forged hammer smashed into Devil Mask, instantly shredding his suit sleeves and leaving deep marks across his arms. But with Tekkai reinforced by Armament Haki, the damage was contained.
No serious wounds.
Landing his blow, Arthur didn't pursue. He darted backward at once. His retreat was just as swift as his assault.
"Rankyaku!"
"Shigan!"
Clown Mask and Demon Mask lunged simultaneously. Even Devil Mask, who had just been struck, moved to seal off Arthur's escape—ready to sacrifice himself in the crossfire.
But—
Arthur's eyes flared with a sharp crimson gleam. His Invisible Blade swept out, intent on carving open Devil Mask's throat even if it meant taking the hit.
"…"
After a split-second hesitation, Devil Mask pulled back, evading Arthur's slash and clearing the path. Arthur didn't chase. He withdrew as well.
Shhh!
The ground where he had stood was ripped apart a heartbeat later. The three CP0 agents regrouped instantly. Without pause, they launched another assault on Arthur.
Clang! Clang! Clang!
Crack! Boom!
With the Invisible Blade in hand, Arthur met all three head-on. Four figures clashed in a storm of blows, counter for counter, strike for strike. Even trading life for life was on the table. The battle had reached a fever pitch.
And yet—
Arthur felt a chill deep inside. His voice dropped into a grim murmur:
"Strong… these CP0 agents fight like machines, utterly emotionless. Every move they make is the most efficient choice possible."
He understood clearly—if Clown Mask and Demon Mask had had the chance to kill him, Devil Mask would never have pulled back. He would have blocked Arthur's path, even at the cost of his own life.
That was what made CP0 so terrifying.
CIPHER POL AIGIS 0
The most secretive branch of the CP organizations. Known as the Shield of the Celestial Dragons.
Their title was not earned by strength alone, but by something even more frightening: the complete lack of emotion in their execution. They fought with only the most optimal methods. Completing the mission came above all else—even above their own lives.
To them, nothing mattered more than protecting the Celestial Dragons. If ordered, they would sacrifice themselves without hesitation.
And that was exactly what the three agents battling Arthur were now demonstrating to perfection.
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