Alex, standing on the rooftop, used his summoning technique, directing the power of these creatures at Dugan and his allies. He forced Dugan to activate his technique, "Kilianthropism." Feeling the growing pressure, Dugan made his decision and, plunging into deep concentration, activated the ability.
The technique worked instantly. Dugan's mind became a mirror, reflecting everything related to his enemies. Memories came to life, and scenes from the past flashed before his eyes—everything he had ever experienced, every person, every word, every gesture became so real it seemed as though they were standing right in front of him. This wasn't just a vision; it was living the experience. He relived each memory as though it were happening again.
This technique not only opened his mind but also made his memories vulnerable to influence. They became an open book, accessible to his enemies. But it had its advantages—physically, his opponents couldn't harm him. The entire attack was halted in that moment. But this was temporary. As soon as Dugan himself took any aggressive action, the technique would immediately fall, and the enemies could strike once more.
For now, the technique remained active, and Dugan was safe. He felt his memories and emotions, deeply embedded within him, become so real that he could interact with them as though they had come alive. This was his chance—a chance to understand who stood before him, to find some meaning in the chaos. But to continue, he needed to find some sense within this madness.
Dugan's memories began to flood his mind, words spoken by Alexander long ago echoing through the chaos. In the haze of battle, he found himself standing in a moment from his past, when he was just twelve years old.
Alexander stood at his desk, surrounded by papers, working on something that seemed trivial at the time but would shape the course of everything. As he worked, he spoke to young Dugan, his words cutting through the years, clear and reassuring.
"Listen, Dugan," Alexander's voice rang out in the memory. "You can do whatever you want with your life. You have the power to shape it. I'll cover for you, always. Got it?"
Back then, those words had been a beacon, a promise that meant everything to the boy Dugan. Now, standing on the battlefield, the memory took on a new meaning. Dugan, the adult, who had been torn apart by the weight of everything, realized that what he needed most in this moment was not just support from others—it was the strength to give that support to himself.
As the memory played out, his eyes hardened with newfound resolve. The hesitation that had once held him back dissolved, replaced by the fierce determination to fight, to survive, and to honor the promise that had been made to him.
With that clarity, Dugan's will reignited. His mind, once uncertain and scattered, was now sharp and focused. He didn't need to rely on anyone else's words, not anymore.
He took a step forward, then another, moving into the fray. With the full force of his resolve, Dugan began to fight, his actions driven by the support he had always given himself when no one else could.
Alex advanced with a deadly focus, his movements swift and calculated, ready to strike from behind. The chaos of battle faded into a blurred haze as his target came into view — Dugan, seemingly distracted, his concentration shattered. The weight of the moment pressed in on Dugan, his reliance on Kim long gone. He had made the hard decision to send Kim to a safe zone, ensuring that his friend was out of harm's way. Now, it was just him — alone in the fight.
Dugan could feel Alex's presence behind him, closing in fast. The air thickened with the tension of an inevitable strike, and he knew there was no time to react. Alex's strike was imminent, a perfect opportunity to incapacitate his foe. But just as Alex's hand reached for Dugan's back, a powerful force interrupted.
A sudden blur of motion appeared at Dugan's side, and before Alex could land the blow, he was met with resistance. It was Marty. His face set in a fierce, unwavering expression, he threw himself into the fray, intercepting Alex's attack with precision. Marty's fist collided with Alex's arm, redirecting the incoming strike and throwing off his balance.
"You think you're the only one who knows how to fight dirty?" Marty sneered, eyes burning with a fierce protective instinct.
Dugan, now with his back covered, steadied himself. His eyes flickered with gratitude before narrowing again, the fight not yet over. Alex had underestimated the resolve of those who stood with Dugan. Even with everything at stake, even with the immense power of the situation, he wasn't alone.
"Thanks," Dugan muttered, taking a deep breath to focus. His next move would be critical.
Marty stood tall at his side, ready to keep Alex at bay. Together, they formed a fleeting but powerful line of defense. The battle raged on.
Marty barely managed to dodge as the first creature lunged at him. These weren't ordinary wolves—they were shape-shifting beasts, their bodies twisting and transforming right before his eyes. One leaped from the rooftop, its paws elongating into razor-sharp claws aimed straight at his throat. Another stretched into a shadowy mist, attempting to encircle him from behind.
At the same time, Dugan was surrounded by soldiers. Their armor glowed with energy, and their weapons were designed specifically to counter his power. They didn't rely on brute force alone—their attacks were precise, calculated to suppress his Nexus.
[BATTLE START!]
— Marty: Facing the "Phantom Shapeshifter Pack"
— Dugan: Facing the "Elite Dome Squad"
Dugan gritted his teeth. Time slowed. He activated [Nexus: Combat Resonance], and a surge of energy coursed through his body, wrapping him in amber seals. In the same moment, golden threads flared around Marty, linking them in a powerful combat bond.
[Effect: Battle Union]
— Marty gains +30% Speed, +50% Reflexes, and immunity to the first three attacks.
Marty felt his body grow lighter, his movements sharper. He took a step forward, and the world seemed to slow. A shapeshifter lunged, but Marty was already elsewhere, dodging with perfect precision.
[Marty uses "Rending Strike"]
— Critical Hit!
— Shapeshifter takes -200 HP
Another beast attempted to grab him from behind, but Marty activated [Counterstrike]—a quick step backward, and his fist, charged with Dugan's energy, slammed into the dark creature.
Meanwhile, Dugan moved fluidly through the battlefield, arcs of lightning crackling in his hands. He raised his arm:
[Dugan uses "Storm Discharge"]
— AoE attack affecting all enemies within a 10-meter radius!
— Soldiers take -150 HP
— Effect: Stun (5 seconds)
To be continued