Hunter of the Lost Gates-Chapter 24 - : Clash of Titans

Sai's muscles tensed as the air around the Hidden Order's leader rippled with power. Crimson energy crackled in the ruins, distorting reality itself. This wasn't an ordinary enemy.

The system's warning flared again.

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[Threat Level: Archon-Class Executor. Caution Advised.]

Sai had faced death countless times, but this was different. The sheer pressure radiating from his opponent felt suffocating.

His fingers tightened around his daggers. Running wasn't an option.

The Executor exhaled slowly, his silver eyes gleaming.

"I gave you a chance," he said. "Now, I will erase you."

He raised his hand, and the air collapsed.

A shockwave erupted toward Sai, invisible but devastating. He barely dodged, rolling sideways as the ground shattered where he had stood.

Sai's mind raced. He's not using speed, he's manipulating force itself.

The Executor took a step forward, and another invisible wave of destruction shot at Sai. This time, Sai activated Phantom Step, flickering out of existence just before impact.

He reappeared behind his enemy, daggers flashing.

But the Executor didn't turn.

Instead, a wave of pure pressure exploded outward. Sai's body was slammed back, as if struck by an unseen fist. He crashed against a ruined pillar, coughing blood.

"You're quick," the Executor admitted. "But not quick enough."

Sai gritted his teeth. He had to find an opening.

He activated Abyssal Insight.

The world shifted, revealing the Executor's flow of energy—the distortions he created before every attack. Sai could see it now.

The weak points.

The Executor extended his hand for another crushing blow. But this time, Sai moved first.

Just as the forcewave formed, he twisted his body and dodged before it fully launched. The attack slammed into empty space.

The Executor's eyes narrowed. "You're adapting too fast."

Sai smirked. "That's kind of my thing."

Before his opponent could react, Sai vanished again.

He reappeared above, flipping midair. His daggers glowed with spectral energy, aiming straight for the weak points he saw in the distortions.

A clean hit.

His blades sank into the Executor's shoulder, piercing through his armor.

For the first time, the man staggered, crimson energy leaking from the wound.

Sai landed smoothly, daggers ready. He had done it.

But then—

The air shook.

The Executor grabbed Sai's blade with his bare hand and wrenched it free, his wound already closing.

Sai's stomach dropped. He's regenerating?!

The Executor's silver eyes glowed brighter. "That was unexpected."

His voice was still calm, but now tinged with amusement.

"You are beginning to interest me, Sai."

Without warning, he vanished.

Sai's instincts screamed. He barely had time to react before something slammed into his stomach—an invisible strike, faster and stronger than before.

Sai's vision blurred as he was launched backward, crashing through ancient ruins.

His back hit stone, his ribs screaming in pain. He gasped for breath, struggling to stand.

The Executor walked toward him, still completely composed.

"It's over," he said, lifting his hand.

A final attack, a force so immense the ground caved in beneath them, gathered at his fingertips.

Sai had seconds.

His mind raced. He wasn't strong enough yet. But there had to be a way.

Then—

His system flared.

[Abyssal Adaptation Triggered.]

A pulse of power ran through him, his body instinctively adjusting to the battle.

Suddenly, everything became clearer.

Sai could see not just his enemy's movements—but the patterns behind them.

The exact moment the Executor's attacks formed.

And more importantly—how to counter them.

The attack launched.

Sai vanished at the last possible second.

He reappeared mid-air, his dagger humming with dark energy. His Abyssal Insight showed him one single weak spot—a fraction of a second where his opponent's defenses wavered.

Sai struck.

His dagger pierced directly into the Executor's core, cutting through the flow of energy holding his power together.

A pulse of black and crimson exploded outward.

For the first time, the Executor let out a grunt of pain. His body flickered, the distortion around him cracking.

Sai landed, panting, watching as the man stumbled backward, clutching his chest.

A long silence.

Then—

The Executor laughed.

Low, cold, and amused.

"I see now," he said, his silver eyes sharper than ever.

"You're not just an anomaly. You are something... more."

Sai tensed. What did he mean?

But before he could react, the Executor stepped back.

The crimson energy faded, and the suffocating pressure lifted.

Sai frowned. "You're retreating?"

The man smirked. "Not retreating. Simply acknowledging a new piece in the game."

His gaze lingered on Sai for a moment longer.

"I will return," he said. "And next time, we will see the true extent of your potential."

Then, in a blur of dark energy, he was gone.

Silence.

Sai stood there, breathing hard, his mind racing.

This wasn't a victory.

It was a warning.

His opponent wasn't just strong—he was testing him.

And next time, there would be no holding back.

Sai clenched his fists. He needed to get stronger.

Because something told him—

This was only the beginning.

To Be Continued...