"The Thunder God's Judgment Blade?"
Astaroth sneered.
"Impressive. But the power of the Shadow Legion… is not something you're worthy to touch."
He swung his spear. Darkness exploded outward. Countless shadow phantoms surged into existence, blotting out the sky as they descended upon Ryker and his team.
Ryker reacted instantly.
"Spatial Distortion."
Space warped. The incoming phantoms twisted out of alignment, their formations collapsing before they could coordinate a full assault.
But it wasn't enough. The battlefield grew heavier. Denser. The Shadow Legion's numbers — and strength — far exceeded anything they had faced before. Pressure mounted from every direction.
"No mistakes," Ryker said, eyes cold. "We go all out."
The Thunder God's Judgment Blade blazed brighter in his hand. The battle escalated.
Then — a roar. Deafening. It tore through the rift like a shockwave.
Ryker's instincts flared.
"Something stronger is coming!"
He vanished from his position.
In the distance, a massive figure began to emerge. Wrapped in black flames. The sky darkened. Clouds churned violently behind it, as if countless souls were screaming within the storm.
A presence descended. Overwhelming. Absolute.
"The true ruler of the Dark Continent…" "…is awakening."
Ryker felt it immediately. A suffocating terror. The kind that could erase everything.
"This presence… something's wrong." His voice dropped.
The System accelerated, preparing for full engagement.
The flames parted. The figure stepped forward. Revealed.
A towering warrior clad in black armor. Over three meters tall. A colossal warhammer rested in his grip. His eyes burned red — like the abyss itself.
"You insects…" "…dare trespass upon my domain."
His voice crashed like thunder across the battlefield.
"Dark Lord — Zarda!" Biscuit's voice cut in sharply. "The ruler of the Dark Continent… he's here in person!"
Zarda stepped forward. Each step crushed the ground beneath him. Space itself warped under the weight of his presence.
"Gon. Killua. Biscuit." "Battle positions."
Ryker didn't hesitate. The Thunder God's Judgment Blade ignited. He struck first.
A streak of lightning carved through the air, aimed directly at Zarda.
Zarda smiled. Cold. Unmoved.
He raised his warhammer — and brought it down.
The impact detonated across the battlefield. Nen flooded outward like a tidal wave.
"Dark Domain: Absolute Oppression."
His voice echoed like a decree from the abyss. Darkness consumed everything. The world twisted. Compressed.
Ryker felt it instantly. His body slowed. His movements dragged. Even the lightning from his blade began to dim, devoured by invisible pressure.
"Watch it!" "That domain distorts all attack output!"
Ryker forced his voice through the pressure.
"Spatial Distortion — maximum!"
Space bent again. The crushing force weakened — but only slightly. It wasn't enough. The domain held. Relentless. Oppressive.
"We break through it."
Ryker clenched his teeth. The blade trembled — then roared.
"Thunder God — Shadow Break!"
Lightning and shadow fused violently, forming a piercing strike that tore through the domain's layers.
It hit.
Zarda didn't move. The attack landed against his barrier — and left only a shallow mark.
Silence followed.
Then — Zarda's smile widened.
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