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.

Waylan. I heard a familiar clicking sound as

"Haaa... haa..."

panting heavily, but I gritted my teeth

the [Keiki

rapidly deteriorating with each movement, but

the

third movement of the

of the [Keiki

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

slightest movement felt like it would bring on excruciating pain, and I could feel my muscles tearing as a result of the enormous strain that was being

with the assistance of the demonic energy that was residing within my body, I was able

pain is nothing... I'm far too used

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

WIIING―!

crumbled, and Waylan's

stored within my body began to drain at an alarming rate, and I came dangerously close to passing

excruciating pain as a barely perceptible ripple began to spread

you

head to look in that direction, I could see

appeared, my heart sank, and before I had even a chance to react, I felt something

BANG―!

throughout my back, and I found it difficult to breathe as

"Aph!"

gulp of air that I noticed the darkness that

do you think

from above, and when I looked up, I saw him hovering in the area above me. His back was turned to

is under my direct control.

his body phased, and I saw the skyline of Ashton City

tip of the Union Tower,

closer to me. Clenching my teeth, I used everything that

Click―!

and I felt as though my legs were going to give out from under me; however, I was

Crash―!

front of me began to collapse, and the Ashton City that was heading my way collapsed into fine shards, revealing a cloudless blue sky where Waylan

were directed at me, and

Thump!

legs gave out under the strain, and I fell to the ground, unable

"Pftt."

escape my mouth by covering it with my hand, but it was too late, and when I looked

"It's over."

and his voice seemed to be coming from everywhere at once. It was as

I took my hand away from my mouth, I leaned back against the

finally

my