Bombs crashed against the shield with a deafening roar, each explosion shaking the heavens as if the sky itself were being torn apart. With every impact, new cracks crawled across the barrier, glowing faintly like veins of light ready to burst.
Then came the final detonation.
The shield shattered in a blinding crack, bursting like celestial glass. A rain of fractured light fell upon the island. Enemy ships immediately seized the opportunity, docking along the coast and releasing a swarm of Mékira soldiers who surged forward with battle cries.
But their advance did not last long.
The warriors of Nexus stood ready. Their lines clashed, and the ground trembled beneath the violence.
The war had begun.
Above them, the massive airships drifted ominously in the sky, their shadows swallowing the sunlight. At their head stood Sorento, silent, observing the island as if passing judgment.
On a high hill overlooking the coast, Ikku, Carla, Kenny, Yumé, and Tenma remained motionless. From there, they watched soldiers tear each other apart near the shore.
Ikku felt his chest tighten.
— Master Zéno! he shouted. I have to help them!
— You cannot move from here, Ikku, Zéno replied, his voice steady and calm.
— But why?!
— They are here for you. For you… and the jewel. They have launched a full-scale war just to claim it. That alone proves its power far exceeds anything we imagined. You must stay out of sight.
Ikku understood the words… but the burning guilt inside him would not quiet down.
No matter what others thought, this was his fault, and he knew it.
In the sky, the airships lowered their cannons. A flood of light rained down upon the island.
— Hypsen, now!
Hypsen triggered the island's missile defenses. Dozens of missiles shot upward—only for Myu to intercept and neutralize them instantly. Sorento's bombardment struck several buildings, setting them ablaze.
— Myu is becoming a real problem… Hypsen muttered.
— I'll handle it, said Zéno.
— Then who will deal with Sorento?
Zéno smirked.
— Jo, you can take him. All good?
— Perfect! an excited voice responded behind Ikku. I needed a little adrenaline.
The man stepped forward, tall, almost 1.90m, with sun-bronzed skin, slicked-back dark brown hair, an open floral shirt, shorts, and sandals. His amused grin never left his face.
— Careful, kids! he laughed. Things might get messy! Professor, as always, keep the brains in the back. Let us handle the rest until Ryu arrives!
— If you insist, said Hypsen. I still have one last present for Sorento.
He tapped his watch.
Moments later, a colossal laser beam descended from the heavens, falling straight onto Sorento.
— Ah yes, Hypsen added casually, forgot to mention—I have several satellites.
But Sorento didn't even flinch. He raised both arms toward the sky, palms touching. A radiant light expanded into the shape of a giant umbrella. The laser dispersed against the barrier. Airships caught in the deflected beam were sliced apart, crashing into the sea.
Sorento then propelled himself downward with a single leap.
And landed right in front of Hypsen.
— He… he got there in one jump?! Kenny whispered, stunned.
— Perhaps I should eliminate you first, Sorento said, fixing his gaze on Hypsen.
— Sorry to disappoint you, Jo replied, stepping between them. But you're dealing with me. Jonathan McKinsley — people call me "Jo the Tough." Let me keep you entertained… until Ryu arrives.
At those words, the two men unleashed their spiritual energy. The air rippled, heavy and electric. Zéno slipped away toward Myu's ship, while Ikku and the others backed off to give Jo room.
— We trained for months... Yumé murmured. But these guys… they're on another level.
— Watch carefully, Kenny replied. You might learn something about your origins.
— So you're a Sonka? Tenma asked.
— Yeah, that's right, Yumé answered.
The battle erupted.
Their fists collided first, releasing a thunderous shockwave that blasted everything within twenty meters.
What followed was a blur — strikes too fast to follow. Hooks, parries, throws. Sorento grabbed Jo's leg, slammed him down. Jo dodged a crushing axe kick and stepped back, hands forming a seal. A green light ignited around his palms.
— Level 4 Mantra! Raro Bakudane!
Three green energy spheres hurled forward. Sorento prepared himself. His eyes glowed golden. He shattered each sphere with a punch.
— Not bad, Jo grinned. I expected no less from Mékira's secret weapon.
He surged forward, releasing more power. Sorento countered effortlessly, sending him flying. Jo got up again—laughing.
— Sonka punch strength… really nothing to underestimate. Let's see how long I last!
He charged once more. This time, his punch made Sorento slide back.
— You noticed it, Jo said.
— Your strike was stronger…
— Exactly. My Brand: "Berserk." The more I'm hurt… the stronger I get.
— Interesting. Let's see if your ability keeps up… before you die.
They clashed again. Violently. The air cracked with each impact. No one dared approach.
— We should move toward the coast, Kenny said.
— Yes… Carla agreed.
— Shame… I wanted to see the fight, Yumé muttered.
— You'll see it from afar, Ikku replied.
But reaching the shore, the group froze.
It was a slaughter.
A battlefield of blood, steel, screams, and bodies. Nexus and Mékira soldiers tore into each other, neither side yielding. The air reeked of smoke and death. Some soldiers writhed in pain, others lay still… and some struck down their opponents without hesitation.
For the first time, the heroes witnessed the true horror of war.
Ikku's voice trembled.
— W… what is this?
— Your end! roared a soldier behind him, sword raised.
Ikku spun around, but shock paralyzed him.
The blade descended—
And was stopped by a Nexus soldier in armor.
— What are you kids doing?! he shouted. This is war — never drop your guard!
Ikku tried to regain focus, but another enemy rushed at him. A flash of movement cut the man down.
Tenma stood there, expression sharp.
— Get it together, Ikku. I know it's overwhelming… but if you don't fight, you'll die.
Ikku stared at him in disbelief.
How can he stay so composed in this carnage? This guy is… unreal.
— Hurry, Ikku! Carla shouted, grabbing his hand.
They ran. But there was no safe place. None.
Yet something in Ikku finally steadied.
He stopped, meeting the eyes of his friends.
— Carla… Yumé… Kenny… Tenma…
It's our turn to strike back.
The war was now fully underway.
There was no stopping it.
And from this moment on, Ikku had only one path left:
Fight for his freedom.
And for Kul-Elna.