In less than three hours, the Yunnan Capital, once the stronghold of Dong Zhuo's iron-fisted rule, had been reduced into chaos and fallen into the hands of a thousand impassioned rebels. The city's towering gates, usually guarded by the imperial army, now lay shattered, overrun by a small but fervent uprising.
These were no seasoned soldiers, but humble peasants and farmers, whose backs bent from years of labor in the fields had come to claim what was rightfully theirs. Armed with little more than farming tools like their rusted hoes, curved sickles, and crude lumber axes yet in their hands, those tools became symbols of defiance as they charged through the city's gates with fury. Their determination rose high as the roar of their revolt echoed louder than any army. Together, they surged forward, and in mere moments, they had broken through the imperial lines, and the walls that had once symbolized imperial power now crumbled beneath the weight of their resolve.
Despite the peasant far outnumbered numbers, woefully underprepared, ill-equipped, and inexperienced, their triumph over Dong Zhuo's forces came not from their strength but from the very greed that fueled Dong Zhuo's empire. Dong Zhuo's insatiable greed had hollowed out his army, leaving them ill-fed and poorly equipped. They had become mere shadows of warriors as their stomachs were empty and their morale was shattered. Dong Zhuo, consumed by gluttony and indulgence, had drained the wealth of the land on lavish banquets, decadent feasts, and endless opulent gifts for his harem to indulge in.
Every coin he seized from the people's suffering went into his own pockets, his lust for power fueling his indulgent lifestyle while his soldiers, starved, underpaid, and poorly clothed, still bled for his empire due to their misguided sense of duty. He spent his fortunes on excesses that did nothing but poison the strength of the very men he commanded, and it was this imbalance, this internal rot, that caused his forces to crumble. And so, when the peasants rose, fueled by desperation and anger, it was not just their courage that led them to victory, but the festering rot within Dong Zhuo's ranks.
Dong Zhuo's harem was nothing more than a cruel, grotesque collection of women stolen from their families, broken and enslaved as he stripped away their dignity. Some were captives, taken from noble households or common folk alike during his ruthless campaigns, while others were offered as tributes, a desperate exchange made by families by offering their daughters to avoid the heavy, unbearable taxes his regime imposed. They were not courtesans, but prisoners of a tyrant's whim, forced to entertain a pig-like ruler in the name of survival.
Yet, it wasn't just the women who suffered but also his army, that's filled with conscripted men. They are forcibly drafted under duress, coerced into service with no regard for their lives or freedom. Worse still, many of them had watched their wives and daughters taken away to sate their cruel leader's insatiable desires. When the uprising came, the soldiers did not stand with Dong Zhuo, but they turned against him by abandoning their posts without hesitation. The men who had once fought for the tyrant's selfish cause cast down their weapons, joining the peasants' rebellion with a passion fueled by years of suffering. Their loyalty, shattered by the abuses they had endured, now belonged to those who had nothing to lose as they no longer fought for Dong Zhuo, but for the freedom of those they had once lost.
They knew that, even at the cost of their own lives, they could no longer endure but to end Dong Zhuo's reign. The tyrant's cruel iron rule had suffocated the land, strangling their future and the hopes for future generations. It was a future they could never accept, and with hearts burning with defiance, they were prepared to face death and to die with honor, for they would rather fight for freedom than live as slaves under Dong Zhuo's tyranny.
Now, the moment they had long awaited had arrived, and they knew they had to strike now more than ever. With Zuo Ci's guidance ringing in their ears and the mysterious aid of a powerful figure whose true identity they could scarcely fathom, their assault on Yunnan Capital was progressing with remarkable ease. The walls that had once seemed like an unbreachable fortress now trembled, for they were driven by more than just weapons but also fueled with the fire of their shared determination.
Before they could even breach the gates of Dong Zhuo's residence, their hopes of finally ending his reign were abruptly dashed. A brilliant flash of light cut through the sky, blinding them for a moment; the ground trembled as a dark silhouette descended from the sky with an unstoppable force, accompanied by the deafening roar of wind. The earth seemed to hold its breath as the air itself was pierced by a force unlike any they had felt.
From the thunderous crash, Lu Bu, the Battle Demon himself, landed upon the earth, astride his mighty steed, Red Hare, with hooves striking the ground with such ferocity that the very earth cracked and splintered under their weight. His arrival was a cataclysmic event, for his landing was so powerful that the earth cracked and splintered beneath him, sending a wave of destruction rippling outward. In that instant, the rebellion's hope wavered as the battlefield seemed to bend under the weight of his presence, for the legend of Lu Bu was no mere myth, but he was a living storm, and unfortunately, they were caught in his fury.
The earth itself seemed to rupture as Lu Bu landed, his impact creating a shockwave that obliterated nearby buildings, reducing them to piles of rubble. The peasants who had been closest to him were violently hurled through the air, their bodies crashing against the ground, flung meters away by the sheer force. The blast alone had left them battered and broken, their injuries grave, and those who still clung to life were no longer any match for him. The few who survived the onslaught could hardly stand, knowing full well that they were no match for the Battle Demon, yet even as their eyes locked with the embodiment of terror, fear wrapped its claws around their hearts and spirits teetering on the edge of despair, they did not waver.
Despite the tremor in their hands, trembling with the weight of their weapons, they clutched onto whatever courage remained and refused to give in to their fear. Even in the face of certain death, they scraped together every last fragment of courage from the depths of their hearts, and with a roar that defied their trembling bodies, their resolve hardened, and they charged forward, determined to face him head-on.
A cold, mocking snort escaped Lu Bu as he surveyed the peasants before him.
"Hmph... I commend your bravery, but they are also laughable in my eyes," he scoffed, his voice laced with fury and disdain.
"It is nothing more than foolishness and a pitiful display. You are all weak, all of you are nothing but ants beneath my heel. It's futile to fight, and none of you are even close to matching me!"
His eyes burned with fury as he gripped his Sky Piercing Halberd, raising it high to his side, the weapon gleaming menacingly in the sunlight. The sheer power behind his next strike was palpable, the air around him thick with the promise of destruction. With a chilling smirk, he prepared to swing the massive halberd with terrifying force, his gaze locked on the brave but doomed fools who dared to challenge him.
Suddenly, a strange weight pressed down on the head of Lu Bu's halberd, as if something had latched onto it and pulled his attention away from the battlefield. His gaze snapped, confusion flickering in his eyes as he saw a dark, gaping hole that was so vast it seemed to consume all his vision. Before he could fully comprehend what was happening, a sharp click echoed through the air, followed by the unmistakable sound of a trigger being pulled.
BAM!
The air erupted with a spine-rattling explosive roar. It was deafening, harsher, and more jarring, like a brutal, grinding noise of two massive iron colliding with each other. The noise still vibrating in his ears, it was a sound he had never heard before, a sound that promised danger he couldn't yet see.
"Quite the grand, explosive entrance you've got there, I'll give you that," The voice said with a lazy smirk, dripping with sarcasm. "But for me? It's just a bit too loud and messy. I'd prefer something more... subtle."
Wu Yan—clad in his obsidian-black battle suit, every inch of his form cloaked in the shadows of his armor, crouching casually on the head of Lu Bu's halberd as if it were just another piece of scenery. His identity was hidden beneath a full helmet, its dark visor reflecting the flickering flames of the battlefield, and he seemed almost out of place amid the chaos. With a nonchalant flick of his wrist, he leveled his revolver at Lu Bu's head, the barrel still smoking from the shot just fired. There was no tension in his posture, no rush in his movements—just a calm, almost bored confidence, but the air between them was thick with tension.
Lu Bu said nothing as he swung his halberd with measured force, not intending to strike, but to simply dislodge Wu Yan from his weapon. In response, Wu Yan read his intent and effortlessly leapt back, his movements fluid and almost mocking. With a grunt of frustration, Lu Bu planted the hilt of his halberd into the ground, forcing it to stand upright like an imposing pillar of iron, a towering symbol of his might.
A thin line of blood ran down his cheek from a fresh cut, but it was barely a nuisance to him. He casually wiped away the blood with a dismissive flick as if it were nothing more than an inconvenience. A sinister smirk curled on his lips as he stared at the enigmatic figure before him.
"So, you're the one who rallied these pathetic peasants, aren't you?" Lu Bu's voice was laced with curiosity but edged with a hint of mockery. He didn't seem particularly concerned, and his tone was almost conversational, but in his eyes, there was a flicker of something more dangerous, as if he were evaluating the mysterious figure standing before him. WuYan's chuckle was almost mocking, his voice dripping with sarcasm as if he couldn't care less about the confrontation.
"Me? Leading them into battle? Hell nah... I'm just here to make sure they force you out into the open, so I can hunt you down for your powers. Simple as that." His tone was as lazy as his relaxed posture, as if the very thought of fighting was beneath him.
Lu Bu stood motionless for a moment, his expression darkened, and his eyes never leaving WuYan as he took in WuYan's appearance. A dark, almost shadow-like, helmet covered his face, and a suit of obsidian black that seemed to absorb the light around him. He studied him with an intensity that was hard to ignore, like a predator studying its prey.
"Hmph..." His lips curled into a faint, calculating smile.
"You have the audacity to speak of defeating me. That alone deserves some recognition." His voice was calm, but beneath it lay an undercurrent of ice-cold confidence, a man who knew exactly what he was capable of.
He stepped forward, his presence commanding, and his words came slower, deliberate. "But this appearance of yours... It's different from those before. The black helmet, the suit, the duster—all obsidian. You've worn many forms before, yet this one is... unique." His gaze sharpened. "So tell me, who are you, truly? What name do you carry beneath that helmet?"
"Well, there's a reason why I've concealed myself like this," WuYan said with a dismissive shrug, the sarcasm dripping from every syllable as if the entire situation were nothing more than a casual conversation.
"But sorry pal, I'll pass on that little request about revealing my name or myself." He spoke with an air of indifference, as if revealing his identity was a chore he simply wasn't bothered to deal with, the edges of his words sharp with sarcastic amusement.
Lu Bu's gaze locked onto WuYan, his expression hardening as the pressure around him seemed to intensify. His voice dropped low, the calm exterior belying the storm simmering just beneath the surface.
"I see," Lu Bu said, the words smooth but carrying an edge of unmistakable danger.
"But here's something I don't understand." His tone grew low and steady, a threatening undertone lacing each word, his imposing figure looming over the space between them.
"You had the perfect opportunity to take my life, an opening so wide that anyone else would've seized it without hesitation." His eyes flashed dangerously.
"And yet you chose to deliberately miss, to let every projectile fired from that weapon of yours scrape my skin instead of tearing through my head. Why?" His voice now held a deep, threatening undertone, one that seemed to vibrate in the air around them.
"What's your game? What are you playing at?" The air around Lu Bu seemed to crackle with tension as his eyes bored into WuYan, searching for an answer.
WuYan let out a lazy sigh, his voice light and unbothered as if the situation were nothing more than a mild inconvenience.
"Well, guess I can't control myself sometimes." His tone was filled with mock regret.
"Sneezed inside my helmet, and just like that, there goes my perfect point-blank headshot." He made a show of wiping his nose, his expression completely unfazed by the gravity of the moment, utterly dismissing the life-or-death moment.
Lu Bu's gaze remained unwavering, but there was a flicker of confusion behind his steely eyes. WuYan showed no sign of concern and seemed to be toying with him as if the legendary warrior's very presence had no effect on him.
But WuYan's thoughts were elsewhere.
If it weren't for my promise to Lady NuWa, to avoid killing you and the other legendary figures...
He mused silently, the faintest hint of frustration creeping into his mind, the weight of his vow momentarily seeping through his otherwise carefree exterior.
Do you really think I'd be putting myself in such a tight spot right now?
His eyes shifted slightly with a small, almost imperceptible shake of his head. He sighed again with the weight of his internal conflict evident only in the way his shoulders sagged before he quickly shook it off, as if dismissing the negative thought entirely to return to himself.
Lu Bu's eyes blazed with an almost predatory fire as he locked onto WuYan, the smirk on his face fading into something far more serious, far more dangerous. He took a slow, measured breath, his stance unwavering.
"Your sarcasm won't save you," he said, his voice cool and unyielding, every word weighed down with a chilling finality that cut through the air.
"But I can respect your tenacity." His lips curled into a grin, fierce and savage, a predatory anticipation.
"It's been too long since I've encountered someone who could stir me like this—someone capable of bringing my true strength to the forefront." His posture stiffened, his aura growing heavier with each passing moment.
He took a single step forward, his muscles rippling with anticipation, and his eyes burned with a fire that spoke of long-held battles and the thrill of war.
"We've crossed paths before, briefly, and in those fleeting moments, it's you who has managed to drive my motivation to its peak. Your presence here is the only thing that's pushed me this far." Lu Bu's voice grew louder, filled with a passionate, almost overwhelming force, as his words echoed through the air.
Lu Bu's hands tightened around the grip of his halberd, then pulled it out, the sheer weight of it seeming to make the earth itself tremble beneath his feet.
"Enough games, enough waiting. Now we end this!"
"We fight to the very end, with no mercy, no retreat, no hesitation. TO THE DEATH!" The ground beneath him seemed to pulse with his fury, and the air around them thickened, as if the universe itself held its breath in anticipation.
As Lu Bu's voice thundered through the air, WuYan couldn't help but feel a chill crawl up his spine, despite his best efforts to maintain his usual nonchalance. There was something... terrifying about the way Lu Bu was so consumed by his own bloodlust, his presence growing more overwhelming with each passing second, as if he were a force of nature—unstoppable, unrelenting. Every word that left his mouth seemed to set the atmosphere ablaze, his fury radiating with a ferocity that was unmistakable.
What the hell is wrong with this guy?
WuYan thought, a flicker of concern flashing through his mind while his gaze fixed on Lu Bu as the warrior's energy surged around him like an unquenchable fire.
Why does he always turn every fight into some sort of blood-crazed rampage?
He couldn't deny the raw power Lu Bu possessed, the sheer intensity that made him a living legend, but there was something primal in the way Lu Bu fought, the kind of deeply unsettling savage joy that seemed to ignite in his eyes whenever battle loomed. His words weren't just a call for war; they were a declaration, a personal challenge to his rival- WuYan.
He isn't just fighting to win... WuYan mused, the thought lingering in his mind, lips twitching in the faintest trace of frustration.
He fights like he's driven by something more primal, something more dangerous. As if his every battle is the only thing that keeps him tethered to his sanity.
WuYan shook his head, irritation flaring briefly before quickly vanishing.
God, this guy... It's like he craves the chaos, the violence, as if it's the only thing that keeps him alive.
The way Lu Bu spoke of fighting to the death, his thirst for battle so absolute, so unwavering, as if the man lived for the clash itself. The way the warrior's every action was guided by pure, unrestrained power was terrifying. Every time WuYan had crossed paths with him, there was no questioning Lu Bu's mentality. He didn't just want to defeat his opponent; he wanted to consume them, to break them down completely.
What's pushing this guy? WuYan thought, feeling a rare moment of genuine curiosity.
WuYan's mind raced, his usual smirk faltering for a moment. No matter how many times they'd faced off. The legendary warrior didn't fight for honor or justice. He fought for the thrill of the kill, the release of violence, and the satisfaction of destruction. It was as though the act of fighting consumed him entirely, leaving nothing but the urge to destroy.
WuYan took a slow, deliberate breath, his gaze drifting toward the ground for just a moment as he considered the implications.
This guy's a force of nature, he's an eruption, pure and simple. And once he starts, it might never stop. One wrong move, and he could tear me apart. WuYan's fingers tightened slightly around his revolver, his usual sense of calm momentarily slipping.
And here I am, stuck with him. Not out of choice, but because this damn promise won't let me kill him. The thought lingered.
But if I ever had to...WuYan shook his head and exhaled.
Let's hope I never have to reach that stage.
The moment Lu Bu's voice rang out in a thunderous battle cry, his shout seemed to split the very air, sending a shockwave rippling through the atmosphere. In that instant, a terrifying swirling vortex of crimson and black energy exploded around him. It surged, growing in intensity, until it engulfed his form. The violent winds howled with ferocity, whipping the very air into chaos and crackling with energy, as though nature itself had sensed the eruption of Lu Bu's untamed power. The very ground beneath him trembled as if bowing to the unstoppable force he was becoming.
His Sky Piercing Halberd, an intricate mechanized weapon, began to hum to life. Its gears and pistons humming like the heartbeat of a war machine. The deep whir of its inner workings reverberated through the air, each part moving with eerie precision, as though the weapon itself had a mind of its own.
The ruby-red gems along its shaft flickered with an almost sinister pulse, their glow syncing with the rhythm of the energy storm swirling around Lu Bu. They glowed brighter with each beat, their light mingling with the dark aura swirling around Lu Bu, as if answering some unspoken command.
Suddenly, the metallic voice of the halberd's artificial intelligence cut through the deafening roar of power. Its tone was cold and emotionless, a stark contrast to the chaotic energy enveloping Lu Bu.
"Weapon systems: fully charged. Hyper Lethal Combat mode: engaged. Dead-Lock Targeting systems: online. Maximum output achieved."
The air around Lu Bu thickened as the ominous mechanical voice filled the space, amplifying the sense of impending destruction and heightening the anticipation of the upcoming battle. His eyes glinted with a savage light, the berserker fury within him igniting like a firestorm ready to consume everything in its path.
WuYan's gaze lingered on the Sky Piercing Halberd as it hummed to life in Lu Bu's hands. The Sky Piercing Halberd thrummed with a low, mechanical hum, each internal component moving with eerie precision as if the weapon were breathing, preparing itself for something monumental.
Huh, that's... actually kind of impressive, WuYan thought, his eyes narrowing ever so slightly.
The weapon wasn't just an extension of Lu Bu's power—it was a symbiotic partner, a tool that seemed almost alive. The ruby gems embedded in the halberd's shaft pulsed in rhythm with the storm of crimson energy swirling around Lu Bu, as though they were in sync with his every movement.
The engineering is not your run-of-the-mill weapon from the local blacksmith, that's for sure.
He leaned back just a little, taking in the sight of the halberd's mechanical beauty. The way the weapon responded to Lu Bu, almost in perfect synchronization with his movements, wasn't lost on WuYan. Something was unsettling about how natural it all looked.
The way the gears clicked and the energy surged through its systems, it was as though it had its intelligence, its purpose, beyond the usual mindless tool in a warrior's hand. It was more like an intricate machine designed with meticulous precision. He had seen his fair share of overpowered weapons before, but this? This wasn't just another oversized sword or hammer. The halberd moved with such calculated efficiency, it almost felt like a living creature waiting for its command.
It's efficient, smart. Damn smart, actually. That's some seriously impressive tech right there, and he's not just about to play with the weapon; he's practically about to dance with it. He praised while glancing at Lu Bu, his lazy gaze taking in the berserker's eager stance.
But then, as the whirring of the machine filled the air, despite his usual nonchalance, WuYan felt a subtle shift in the atmosphere. He's watching the energy continue to surge, watching it pulse like a beating heart. The intensity of the power being generated around the weapon wasn't something to ignore. It's building up a force that will be both dangerous and unpredictable, just waiting to be unleashed.
But then, as the whirring of the machine filled the air, WuYan felt a subtle shift in the atmosphere. The intensity of the power being generated around the weapon wasn't something to ignore. The deep, rhythmic pulse of the energy gave the feeling of a force building up—dangerous, unpredictable, and waiting to be unleashed. WuYan's fingers tightened around his weapon, the relaxed grip turning more solid, more aware.
A weapon that not only channels power but thinks... that's a new one. And if it's smart enough to outmaneuver me, this could get tricky. The casualness in his expression remained, but his thoughts raced, the gears in his mind turning as he calculated how to handle this.
It's not just Lu Bu I have to worry about anymore. This damn thing's practically its fighter.
His smirk returned, but it was a bit more thoughtful than usual. With a lazy flick of his wrist, he readjusted his grip on his weapon, the movement smooth and effortless. He could already feel the strategies forming, the ways to exploit any potential flaw.
If I can keep my head straight and don't get too cocky, I'll make sure that thing doesn't live up to its hype. He shifted his weight slightly, keeping his posture relaxed, as if he were just enjoying the scene rather than preparing for a battle that could turn deadly in an instant.
Still, can't help but give credit where it's due. You've got a nice toy, Lu Bu. Let's see how well it plays, or is it just all talk? He sighed, a grin tugging at his lips.
"Release all demonic energies!" Lu Bu roared, his voice booming like a thunderclap that filled with primal excitement. The veins bulged violently beneath his skin, raw surge of power coursing through him, pulsing like dark rivers as if the very blood within him was igniting with fury.
"Releasing all stored demonic energy... Now redirecting it into the user's body. Potential ability has reached a critical breakthrough. Calculating... Performance efficiency increased by 333%. Warning: Stress levels on both body and mind are now at 84%, reaching critical thresholds. Mortality rate: 99%, nearing terminal phase."
The halberd's AI voice remained emotionless and cold, its mechanical voice rang out with its foreboding calculations echoing in the air. As if the weapon itself could feel the impending risk, each syllable carried a warning, but it was already too late.
The ruby gems embedded in the halberd flickered briefly before erupting into a blinding, ominous glow, casting a harsh red light like a malevolent sun. As the light pulsed with a surge of power, Lu Bu's armor began to warp and shift, its once sleek form now morphing into something nightmarish, something monstrous. Razor-sharp claws of glowing red emerged from the edges of every plate, their tips gleaming with deadly intent. But the most horrific sight was the ash-gray scales creeping across the armor's surface. They grew and shrank, pulsating like a living, breathing organ, melding into his skin and becoming part of his very being, as though his body had accepted the corruption willingly.
On his headpiece, the twin long tails that had once been soft, feathery red plumes now twisted and morphed, shedding their soft, red feathers for jagged, steel-gray scales, cold and sharp like deadly daggers. Wrapped in a suffocating crimson-black aura, the transformation was complete, the tails now swarming within the cloak of crimson-black aura that enveloped him as he became something more than human, a grotesque amalgamation of man and demon, a fitting halo for the creature he was becoming.
The veins on his face darkened, shifting from a sickly purplish-green to a faint, glowing red, like molten fire creeping beneath his skin. The power of the demonic energy surged through his veins, wild and untamed, a restless force that threatened to explode at any moment, ready to fuel his every move. His body seemed to grow in response, expanding and bulking up, his form now towering nearly a full story in height, broadening in mass as though he were a living mountain of raw power, a testament to the overwhelming force coiled within.
Upon unleashing all of its demonic power, the mechanized Sky Piercing Halberd underwent a terrifying transformation. The weapon grew in size, expanding to tower over Lu Bu by nearly three heads, its form now a menacing titan of steel, casting a long, ominous shadow. Both sides of the blade's width expanded grotesquely, its once sleek edge now monstrous in scale. The front blade split down the middle with a deafening screech, revealing a chainsaw-like cutting mechanism that whirred to life in a furious state. Its razor-sharp teeth spinning with deadly intent, hungry for destruction.
The rear blade followed suit, splitting open to reveal two thruster machines that roared to life, adding a terrifying surge of force to every swing. Above the blades, the pike section twisted and contorted, covered in jagged spikes that gleamed like sharpened teeth that thirst for blood. A new motor-driven mechanism activated, and the pike spun like a drill, a spinning, razor-sharp vortex that's ready to tear through anything in its path.
The Red Hare rose high on its hind legs, letting out a thunderous metallic cry as its transformation began, announcing the arrival of a true war machine. Its maroon-red outer plating shimmered briefly, then began to ripple, darkening while morphing into a cold, metallic dark grey like steel forged in hellfire, now gleaming in menacing sheen.
Segments of its armor slid apart with mechanical precision, revealing glimpses of crimson-lit engines buried beneath its frame that pulsed with heat and energy. A thick jet of steam hissed out from its joints and vents, cloaking its form in a boiling haze as if the beast itself were breathing. Then its eyes flared to life, blazing with blinding light, just as two majestic golden horns spiraled outward from the center of its head, emerging like divine spears but twisted yet gleaming, giving the war mount a regal yet terrifying silhouette as the transformation completed.
...Right. Because clearly, the horse also gets a transformation, too. What's next, it's gonna sprout wings and start breathing fire? But I gotta admit, that actually looks kinda rad. WuYan's eyes narrowed, he tilted his head slightly, unimpressed on the surface, then let out a low breath, casually resting his weapon on his shoulder.
The moment the transformation finished, a violent gust of aura from Lu Bu exploded outward, scattering dust, sand, and pebbles in all directions. WuYan's duster flapped wildly in the wind before finally settling as the storm of power subsided, and as the gusts died down, his eyes widened in the next moment. The two golden horns spiraling from the Red Hare's head fused together, merging seamlessly into a single, sharp, cone-like horn that gleamed menacingly in the light.
HOLY! You've got to be kidding me… it turned into a damn unicorn!? WuYan's mind screamed in disbelief, struggling to maintain his usual composed demeanor, a hint of excitement threatening to break through.
"Cough... So, is that it? Gotta say, you and the horse and that halberd are really milking the dramatics." WuYan asked while adjusting his collar and dusting off his coat.
Lu Bu's gaze narrowed, his voice rumbling low with a demonic undertone. "...What?"
"Just making sure before we throw hands." WuYan taps his weapon on his shoulder.
"Your move. I won't strike until you're finished getting ready." With a brief pause, Lu Bu then spoke again, voice calm but heavy with menace.
"Wow. Polite and terrifying. Didn't think I'd get both today. Alright then—much appreciated." WuYan blinked, slightly surprised, then let out a short chuckle.
WuYan casually spun the revolver in his right hand before letting it vanish into thin air, leaving not even a glint behind. He raised his mechanical right arm that's hidden beneath his obsidian suit. With a muted click, he then tapped the glowing energy reactor embedded on his chest, its core pulsing with a soft hum in response. Without a word, he shifted the arm outward and gave his wrist a subtle flick, as if signaling the start of something only he understood.
A monotonous mechanical voice of a female echoed through the air, cool and calm, devoid of any emotion, while announcing the inevitable.
"The Fiery Soul from Blazing Mad Imp Shaman - Ignatius."
"The Giga War Axe from Dauntless Cyber Ogre Lord - Madriggs."
The words hung in the air for a moment, each one carrying the weight of its legendary origin, as WuYan's mind quietly selected the components. His gaze remained steady, unwavering, as he silently acknowledged the choices, no surprise in his eyes—only quiet anticipation.
A fiery ring sprang to life before WuYan, erupting from his chest like a burst of intense heat, while a grey circle materialized just before his outstretched hand. Within the fire-ring, the silhouette of an imp danced, its fiery outline shifting and pulsing with infernal energy. The grey ring, however, held the image of a massive war axe.
With a sharp snap of his fingers, both rings surged forward swiftly in perfect synchronization. They passed through his form with a flash, vanishing completely as they crossed to the other side. The moment they disappeared, his right hand clenched around the enormous Giga War Axe, a weapon of unimaginable size now resting securely in his grip, its weight seemingly nothing to him.
His battle suit shifted in response with fiery lines of glowing crimson streaked across the seams, running like molten veins beneath the fabric. The duster coat that had once flowed loosely around him now hardened, transforming into a set of faintly fire-colored armor that clung protectively to his frame. But the most striking change was the helmet, as the once simple obsidian oval now twisted and reshaped, mechanical parts shifting and rearranging, forming the menacing, grinning visage of the Imp Shaman- alive with movement and glowing with a fiery menace.
With the transformation complete, WuYan stood tall, exuding an aura of power and fire, ready for the battle. The moment the transformation settled, the same unflinching voice of the AI rang out. Her mechanical voice echoed in the air once more, its tone colder, more calculated—each word sharp and deliberate.
"Half Compatibility Amalgamation Achieved—Blazing Berserker Form. Initiating countdown to complete energy depletion: 3 minutes."
The voice was coldly efficient, and the weight of the brief warning was barely a whisper against the storm of power now radiating from WuYan. As the countdown began, WuYan could feel the surge of power intensify around him, but also clearly knew the brief time frame of the destructive potential now at play.
"Another new form? I've got to say, you've really got me looking forward to this fight now." Lu Bu mused, a smirk tugging at the corner of his lips. His gaze sharpened, excitement bubbling beneath his calm exterior.
"And so am I," WuYan said, his voice dripping with casual confidence. Without missing a beat, he reached into the pocket of his battle suit and retrieved a cassette player, a small smirk tugging at his lips as he inspected the device. Its retro design stood in stark contrast to the high-tech armor he wore. A small smirk tugged at his lips as he inspected the device.
"Hmph…That piece of tech... now that's a surprise," Lu Bu remarked, eyeing the cassette player with a mix of curiosity and amusement.
"Retro. Old-school. Didn't take you for the sentimental type, clinging to relics over advanced systems, especially not when both of us are forged by the cutting edge." He tightened his grip on the metal bridle of Red Hare, the other hand wrapped firmly around his mechanized halberd, the tip humming with restrained power. His muscles coiled and were ready, waiting for the moment WuYan made his move.
[Now playing Honest Eyes by Black Tide]
With a flick of his thumb, WuYan hit the play button. A raw guitar riff tore through the cassette player's mini speaker, raw and defiant. He cranked the volume to its peak, letting the noise rip through the tension, before slipping the player smoothly back into his pocket.
Then, with a swift kick to the axe's hilt, letting it fall squarely across both shoulders with a loud metallic thud. The sheer weight of the weapon forced his body into a low stance, spine bent slightly forward, muscles flexing beneath the armor as he absorbed the burden. His knees bent low as his legs locked into place like steel pillars, steady and grounded, absorbing the crushing pressure without a flinch under the axe that looked too big for anyone but him.
WuYan's grip tightened around the Giga War Axe, its weight resting steady across his shoulders. With a smirk hidden behind his helm, he lifted his left hand and flicked two fingers toward himself in a cocky, goading gesture—sharp, rude, and unmistakably provocative.
"Up for a dance?" he taunted, voice laced with that signature nonchalance.
Lu Bu's eyes ignited with battlelust, a wild grin splitting across his face, his halberd trembling in his grip as his aura flared.
"Then let's crank this fight to the limit!" he roared, surging forward with unrestrained excitement.
The provocation worked too well, even better than WuYan had anticipated. Lu Bu's eyes blazed a furious crimson, his teeth grinding together with a sound like shattering stone. A low growl rumbled in his chest as he tightened his grip on the reins, and with a violent pull, he sent Red Hare into a full charge. The mechanical steed's legs shot forward, and with a deafening roar, smashing the ground beneath it, sending up dust with such force that it left a crater in its wake.
The thruster on Lu Bu's halberd ignited with a deafening engine screech when activated to the full. The fierce afterburner kicked in, adding an explosive surge of speed that made the weapon swing with terrifying power. Now, every movement of Lu Bu was pure destruction, and the air around him seemed to crackle with the impending force of his attack.
The colossal axe balanced on his shoulder, WuYan kicked off the ground with explosive force, launching himself like a cannon shot. The impact of his launch shattered the earth beneath him, leaving a crater where he once stood as he tore through the air with silent resolve—no words, no theatrics, just raw momentum. His intent was clear as he rocketed forward to meet Lu Bu head-on.
Red Hare thundered forward to meet him, Lu Bu's halberd raised high, its thrusters howling.
And then, in a heartbeat, their weapons collided.
Both warriors swung their weapons with deadly precision, steel colliding with steel in a cataclysmic clash in mid-air. The clash unleashed a shockwave so powerful that the force of the impact erupted into a shockwave far greater than even Lu Bu's initial landing, tearing through the battlefield like a roaring tempest. The air cracked, the ground split, everything around them disappeared in a storm of dust, fire, and steel, and for a moment, time itself seemed to freeze between two titans locked in the purest form of combat.
Yeah... I know what you're thinking.
How the hell did I end up in a mess like this, trading blows with a half-demonic, fully mechanized version of Lu Bu, in the middle of a battlefield that looks like it came out of a bad fever dream?
Maybe you're asking how I got this battle suit, this axe, these powers that transform me into something else.
Yeah, I figured. Well, if you want the full story… We'll have to rewind to what happened a month ago.
Just as WuYan and Lu Bu were about to collide in a cataclysmic strike again, reality itself seemed to slam on the brakes.
The world stopped, time froze. Literally.
Both figures stood motionless mid-charge, like statues caught between breaths—expressions locked, weapons inches from impact. The storm of energy swirling around them vanished into eerie stillness, as though the battlefield had been paused by an unseen hand.
WuYan's body was still locked in the moment, but his voice broke through the pause like a narrator stepping out of the scene. He talked, not to Lu Bu but to you.
To the reader.
And to begin the story behind the chaos.
"Alright. Let's take it from the top."