Chapter 297

Chapter Twenty-Eight: A Role Like the Sun

Inside the base camp of the Desert Apostles, a Snaky “cheep”ed to recount what it had seen to its companion. The Snaky it was conversing with widened its eyes upon hearing this, exclaiming, “How can such a thing happen without calling me?” With that, it immediately abandoned its sentry duties and followed the other towards the location.

More and more Snakies heard about this and gathered at the open area in the center of the base. It wasn’t just the Snakies; even Deseret Apostle Desert Officers Scorpion Lena and Cobra Saga, as well as Dark Pretty Cure, were present there. Except for Dr. Shabak who happened to be out on business, the power of the Desert Apostles was essentially all gathered here.

It was regrettable that the purpose of convening everyone was not for plotting schemes like a “Grand Offensive Against the Pretty Cures.” They had gathered here to witness the duel of Ash and Spider Gaki.

Spider Gaki had often requested to settle things with Ash due to his martial training habits, but every time he was turned down. Finally, an annoyed Ash accepted his challenge, albeit in a special way.

“Hmph, correct! Timons, that’s exactly the feeling of a thrilling battle! I, Spider Gaki, will never lose in terms of momentum!”

Intently staring at the heated battle, facing the scene that seemingly projected his soul, Spider Gaki’s blood was boiling!

“One cannot achieve victory merely with momentum. To defeat me, you would need much more than two millennia!”

Ash was not to be outdone, equally pouring his热血 soul into the battlefield!

And all eyes were focused on the glowing screen before them. Two handles were plugged into the corners and held tightly by the excited individuals.

“This, humans call it a game?” Scorpion Lena turned her head, seeing the black cartridge inserted into the screen and on it written, “[Kamen Rider Super Ultra Epic Hero Dhalsim, Director’s Cut].”

“After all, our new member always refused to fight with Gaki due to the hassle,” Cobra Saga commented while observing the two masked figures dancing on the screen, finding it interesting. “Thus, he suggested using a game to settle their score—it’s intriguing.”

“…” The silent Dark Pretty Cure only stared at the back of Ash, whose excitement was palpable.

“!” At this moment, Spider Gaki was completely engrossed in controlling his character. Initially, he had dismissed games as child’s play until he actually started playing and became hooked. Especially now, controlling the [Kamen Rider Cross-Z], known as Tatsuya, who had the offensive capabilities to suit his taste perfectly.

From the upper knight bar on the screen, it was clear that Spider Gaki held the advantage, his adrenaline making him shout lines alongside his character.

“Lever the earth, incinerate the soul!”

“I’d advise against saying Tatsuya’s lines—it could lead to something bad.” Rapidly tapping the controls, Spider Gaki dodged an attack from Black’s Sound Slash sword, pulling away to enter a combo mode.

“Hmpf, fleeing is a dishonor to a warrior and will also be your downfall! Have you not noticed my energy is full?” Seeing the opponent’s exposed flaw, Spider Gaki seized the opportunity, instantly switching the form.

“[Cross-Z Magma!]”

“Ah, go!” Observing Spider Gaki’s upper hand, Scorpion Lena was even more enthusiastic, cheering fervently. “Teach this arrogant newcomer a lesson!”

“I’d do it anyway!” Just transformed into the Lava Dragon form, Spider Gaki wasted no time executing the finishing move. The screen showed Tatsuya turning and using the Volcanic Attack with the orange knight spitting lava dragons toward the opposing dark knight.

“[Readygo! Volcanic Attack!]”

A hit would instantly clear RX’s health bar, but an embattled Ash still wore a confident smile.

“Now, nothing will stop me! Timons, you lost!”

“That remains to be seen!”

Just when the kick struck RX’s chest, a deep male voice narrated over the game:

“[At this moment, something inexplicable happened!]”

“What!?”

Simultaneously, pushing a button on his controller, RX vanished in a flash of blue light, leaving Cross-Z Magma off-balance and falling due to the missed kick.

“You underestimate the characteristics of a knight! That knowledge surpasses you!”

Transformed into a Bio-Knight, RX landed behind the opponent, transforming back to RX and wielding his sword handle.

“[Slash! Spin Slash!]”

Afterward, there was no suspense left. Seeing Cross-Z explode after being stabbed with the Spin Slash, Spider Gaki took a deep breath and put down the controller.

“You were warned, didn’t I say not to utter Tatsuya’s name?”

“Cheeky! !” Disheartened Snakies supporting Spider Gaki groaned while the others cheered for Ash. Dark Pretty Cure then withdrew her gaze.

“After all, isn’t this what was expected?”

The man who had been losing sight of himself in this fight, without minding Ash’s jab, began pondering in silence. Was he the one being careless? “Timons, next time I won’t lose!”

“Until then, agreed! So as per agreement, the battle with the Pretty Cures will be mine today.”

“But don’t lose!”

“Certainly.”

Observing others eager to play, Ash generously left the cartridge behind. This round of multiplayer relaxed him significantly, enough to set out and find trouble with the girls.

“Mm~ Even the fiercest lava cannot match the glow of the sun.”

The sun?

Where could the Pretty Cure capable of shining like the sun be?

————–

“[Dominate! Batta! GenoMix!]”

With his cricket stamp empowered, Timons’ legs quickly changed shape, growing backwards from his calves and becoming anti-joint.

“So scary!” For the already afraid of insects, Lei and Erika found this particularly shocking.

“Wait, there’s more!”

Chasing the two into the school playground, the limb mutation allowed for easier evasion of attacks, kicking both off with amplified strength.

“It hurts… but!”

Gradually tolerating the pain, the two stood and looked at each other, instantly achieving their goal to draw out the enemy from the school.

“They fled.” Watching their retreating backs, Ash understood their intent.

Well, let them have their way this time.

“Who are you?”

A sharp voice suddenly came from behind, making Ash turn around, thinking no one would be at school today.

Seeing the spider with cricket legs turn to face him, Ready Institute Mingtangyuan immediately assumed a combat stance.

“Hoh.”

Looking down coolly at the brave brown-haired student and her stance, Ash revealed an unusually curious expression beneath his mask.

“Not running away, huh? This is truly interesting.”

——–