The collision between Daisuke and Kichatsu sent a powerful shockwave across the ruined district, tearing through broken streets and scattering debris in every direction. Dust rolled through the battlefield as both fighters remained locked in place for a brief moment, neither willing to give ground. When the dust began to clear, the spectators immediately noticed something had changed. The dark markings spread across Kichatsu's body glowed brighter than before, while the energy surrounding the creature no longer leaked outward. Instead, it condensed around its muscles and limbs, becoming denser and more focused. Daisuke understood the meaning instantly. Until now, Kichatsu had been fighting with raw power, but now it was concentrating everything into every movement. The monster had finally stopped holding back.
Far from the battlefield, Ren narrowed his eyes while Mei silently observed the change. Even the members of Batch D could feel the difference in pressure. Airi remained silent as she watched the two figures standing among the ruins. Neither fighter looked exhausted. Neither looked afraid. If anything, they seemed more excited than before. The battle had pushed them to the point where every attack mattered, and both of them appeared determined to find their limits.
Kichatsu moved first. The creature launched forward with frightening speed and delivered a kick aimed directly at Daisuke's chest. Daisuke raised his guard just in time, but the impact still forced him backward across the shattered pavement. Before he could fully recover, a second kick followed, then a third. Each attack carried enough force to demolish the remains of nearby structures. Daisuke quickly realized that Kichatsu was focusing all of its strength into its legs, turning every kick into a devastating weapon. Instead of retreating, he stepped forward and answered with his own approach. The lightning surrounding his body flowed into his fists, concentrating there until his hands glowed with dark-golden energy. His next punch slammed into Kichatsu's side and released a burst of thunder powerful enough to shake the surrounding district.
The battle immediately transformed. Kichatsu attacked with overwhelming kicks while Daisuke countered with lightning-infused punches. Every collision produced explosions of force that ripped apart the battlefield. Neither side attempted complicated strategies anymore. They simply pushed forward, meeting strength with strength and refusing to yield. To the spectators, it looked less like a fight and more like a natural disaster unfolding before their eyes. Entire sections of the ruined district continued collapsing as the battle moved from one area to another, leaving destruction behind with every exchange.
As the fight continued, Daisuke managed to slip inside Kichatsu's reach and land a clean punch to the creature's chest. Lightning erupted from the impact point and forced Kichatsu backward. For a brief moment, the monster lost its balance. Daisuke immediately followed with another strike, then another, refusing to allow any opportunity for recovery. Yet instead of showing frustration, Kichatsu smiled. The creature seemed to be enjoying the challenge more with every passing second. It answered by launching a powerful spinning kick that caught Daisuke's shoulder and sent him crashing through the remains of a nearby building. Broken stone exploded around him, but moments later he emerged from the rubble with the same determined expression on his face.
The spectators could hardly believe what they were witnessing. Every attack looked capable of ending the fight, yet both combatants continued standing. Ren understood that this was no longer a battle between a Guardian and a Westling. It had become a contest between two warriors determined to prove themselves stronger than the other. Neither wanted to retreat. Neither wanted to lose. The only outcome either of them would accept was victory.
Lightning gathered around Daisuke's fists once more while dark energy condensed around Kichatsu's legs. The distance between them shrank as they charged simultaneously, their attacks colliding with enough force to send another shockwave racing across the district. The battlefield trembled beneath them as the next stage of the fight officially began.