The fog grew heavier, the streets slick with rain as Riku and Shinrai continued their fierce battle. The rogue's crimson blade cut through the air like lightning, each slash aiming for vital points. But Riku was faster, his reflexes honed to a razor's edge from years of combat.
Shinrai's eyes narrowed as Riku dodged another strike, effortlessly stepping to the side and landing a punch that sent him staggering back. "You're fast," Shinrai gritted out, wiping blood from his lip. "But you're still not fast enough."
With a grunt, Shinrai raised his blade high, channeling Essence into it. The weapon pulsed with power, becoming a jagged, bladed whip of energy, ready to lash out and shred everything in its path. He swung it, aiming for Riku's torso, but Riku didn't move.
He stood his ground, the air around him shifting. A barrier of golden energy expanded around him, solidifying like an impenetrable shield. The whip collided with it and shattered into a shower of sparks, as Riku's hand reached out, sending a wave of energy crashing toward Shinrai.
"You're too predictable," Riku said coldly, his eyes sharp as ever. He raised his hand, and the barrier around him shifted, turning into a weapon of its own. The golden energy sharpened into a spear-like form, and with a single thrust, Riku pierced Shinrai's defense, striking him square in the chest.
Shinrai gasped, unable to react in time as the force of the blow lifted him off his feet and sent him flying back several meters, crashing against a nearby wall.
"This is where your rampage ends," Riku said as he approached, his voice calm but final.
Shinrai struggled to stand, his blade slipping from his grasp. Blood poured from the wound in his chest, but the rogue didn't beg, didn't show fear. His body trembled, but his eyes were defiant.
"Do you think you're a hero?" Shinrai spat. "You're no better than us."
Riku's expression softened, not out of pity but understanding. "Maybe. But I'm still fighting for something better." He stepped forward and raised his hand, and a gentle but firm wave of energy knocked Shinrai out cold.
Riku stood over him, his gaze unshaken, but his face unreadable.
"I don't absorb people like you."
Riku's clone emerged from the shadows, a nod of acknowledgment passing between them as they looked down at the rogue. Riku's eyes flickered toward the horizon, feeling the weight of the moment. There was a fine line between survival and destruction.
"But I will make sure you don't hurt anyone else."
With a final glance, Riku walked away, leaving the unconscious rogue behind. The city had suffered enough.