The Author's POV

From the moment the scenery around me changed, and I found myself back in Ashton City, I came to the realization that I wasn't transported out into the nothingness of space like I previously thought I was.

Instead, it seemed like I was placed inside a different dimension created by Waylan, governed by the Laws.

His words confirmed it shortly afterward.

Despite my lack of knowledge about the inner workings of this space I was in, I realized that the only way to properly fight back was through the laws themselves.

...and I did.

I summoned a part of the laws that I had, and I successfully managed to stop him. I was successful in injuring him, but it came at a cost.

'I'm already gassed out.'

My body was practically shaking as I struggled to channel the energy inside of me.

I thought I had prepared enough, but it was clear that I wasn't prepared for what was to come.

I was already gassed out, and my energy was rapidly depleting.

"You…"

Waylan noticed the injury in his body, and his expression changed. At first, he seemed mad, but for some reason, he kept his cool, and the injury slowly started to recede. I frowned as I realized that what I had done wasn't enough.

But Waylan spoke.

"That was a very good attempt."

His nonchalant voice reverberated through the air, and it was followed by a violent thrust of wind that headed my way.

WIIIIIING―! The world around me bent, and I saw the tips of a skyscraper heading straight for me. I narrowly dodged it and shifted my attention to the approaching fist.

It grew larger in my vision by the second, and before I knew it, it was just an inch away from my nose. I summoned all the strength I had left and opened my mouth.

"Stop."

Golden runes and words popped out from the space around the fist and clamped onto them. The fist stopped in its tracks and started trembling.

"Ugh."

I could feel my body weaken at the usage of the Laws, but I clenched my teeth and pushed through the pain.

Swoosh―! I took advantage of the little time I bought to move to the side and avoid the fist. I followed up with my own kick, aimed directly at Waylan's neck.

But it felt like I hit hard metal, and I felt an intense pain coming directly from my shin.

Despite the pain, I managed to push Waylan back. I grabbed my sword and took a deep breath. I knew what I had to do next. I summoned all the energy I had left and prepared for the third movement of the [Keiki Style]: Void Step.

of Waylan. I heard a familiar clicking sound as my sword hit something,

"Haaa... haa..."

gritted my teeth

third movement of the [Keiki Style]: Void

mana rapidly deteriorating with

of the [Keiki Style]:

movement of the [Keiki Style]:

of the

I tried to inflict as much damage as possible on him by employing anything

on excruciating pain, and I could feel my muscles tearing as a result of the enormous strain that was being placed

with the assistance of the demonic energy that was residing within my body, I was able to push through the pain and keep attacking with

is nothing... I'm far

one thing I was capable of enduring, and with that knowledge in mind, I continued to put forth as much strain on my body as I

WIIING―!

in front of me crumbled,

space next to me, the mana that was normally stored within my body began to drain at an alarming rate,

my teeth and persevered through the excruciating pain as a barely

you

Waylan's voice coming from my right, and when I turned my head to look in that direction, I could see him standing a few meters away

and before I had even a chance to react, I felt something press against my chest,

BANG―!

back, and I found it difficult to breathe as a result of the

"Aph!"

darkness that had

do you

in the area above me. His back was turned to the backdrop of Ashton City, which was inching closer and closer

is under my direct control. Put an end to whatever futile sense

skyline of Ashton City come into view and head my way at incredible

was the tip of the Union Tower,

tower inched its way closer to me. Clenching my teeth, I used everything that was left in me to

Click―!

were going to give out from under me; however, I was still able to accomplish what

Crash―!

Ashton City that was heading my way collapsed into fine shards, revealing a cloudless blue sky where Waylan

me, and an unfathomable pressure bore

Thump!

I fell to the ground, unable

"Pftt."

was trying to escape my mouth by covering it with my hand, but it was too late, and when I looked down, I saw streaks of my own

"It's over."

and his voice

me, and after I took my hand away from my mouth, I leaned back against the ground and

finally

my