Reboot: Mechanic

Vanessa's control over her power was remarkable to behold. In the brief engagement with it, she had managed to analyze its properties. 

The tendrils, once hers, moved with the grace of a trained dancer, responding to her every thought and command. And with a flick of her wrist, they changed direction, twisting and turning in the air as if they had a mind of their own.

"Please take your gift back," Vanessa exclaimed coldly, returning the gift. 

The tendrils struck out at Kralos Tal, who seemed to anticipate the attack. 

He moved with fluid agility, evading some of the tendrils and deflecting others with his Tomahawks. His movements were a dance of lethal precision, extremely confident, and a clear showcase of his ability. 

"Once I gifted someone, I would never take it back." Kralos Tal mused, not a bit surprised that the tendrils had failed to do any significant damage to Vanessa.

If mere tendril was enough to deal with Vanessa, then he wouldn't have received such a high price to come all the way here.

And as more tendrils closed in from Vanessa's side, Kralos Tal's eyes glinted. With a quick motion, he unleashed a barrage of his own attacks, sending a series of Tomahawks hurtling toward Vanessa.

But Vanessa was equally adept at evasion. She ducked, twisted, and leaped upward with swift movement that defied gravity, narrowly avoiding the deadly Tomahawks. 

The Tomahawks all went behind her, crashing on the walls, causing numerous cracks and debris to fall. 

As for the patrons inside the Horology Restaurant, they all covered their heads with their arms, trembling in fear. 

Meanwhile, Robert Cook felt extreme heartache at his beloved restaurant collapsing in his very own eyes. 

'They promised compensation for all the damages done, but isn't this just demolishing the restaurant? How can I report this to the higher-ups once they learned of the news?' Robert Cook screamed internally, feeling both frustrated and helpless by the situation. 

Alas, no one had the time to care or bother with Robert Cook's problem. 

Instead, everyone was currently focused on Kralos Tal, who was simultaneously handling Shi Tian and Vanessa with ease.

Kralos Tal's demeanor exuded a sense of calm confidence, almost as if he considered the battle a mere distraction. 

His movements were economical yet effective, each action serving a specific purpose. He deflected attacks with precision, sidestepped with calculated grace, and countered with ruthless efficiency.

Shi Tian and Vanessa, despite their skill and determination, found themselves pushed on the defensive. Kralos Tal's every move seemed to anticipate their actions. It was as if he could read their intentions before they even made a move. 

It was a frustrating and humbling experience for both of them.

"At this rate, we're going to run out of stamina," Shi Tian wiped some of the dust off his face and said.

"I know, but if we relax for a glimpse of a second, then Kralos Tal would latch onto that opening." Vanessa clicked her tongue and said. Her magicule manipulation continued, creating a swirling vortex of earth and energy around her. 

She didn't dare to relax for a moment, knowing fully well of Kralos Tal's action. Being overly infamous had its con, and that was his every behavior and action was known to others.

Thus, Vanessa knew that Kralos Tal hadn't showcased his every power yet, clearly waiting for the pivotal moment to strike his final blow.

Shi Tian nodded in agreement, his gaze unwavering as he maintained his guard. 

The tension in the air was palpable, the weight of the battle pressing down on them as they fought against an opponent who seemed to have an answer for every move they made.

As Vanessa's vortex of Magicule continued to swirl around her, she calculated each movement meticulously, ready to strike or defend as needed.

Their surroundings bore the marks of their intense battle. Cracks ran through the earth, debris littered the area, and the remnants of Magicule clashed hung in the air like a faint mist.

Kralos Tal's presence remained enigmatic, his demeanor unchanged despite the chaos around him. He moved with a kind of fluid grace that suggested he was always in control, a predator stalking its prey.

"We can't keep this up indefinitely," Shi Tian stated in a firm tone. "We need to find a way to gain the upper hand."

Vanessa's eyes flickered with determination, her focus unyielding. "You're right, Nathan. We can't continue to let him dictate the pace of this battle. We need to force him into a situation where he's vulnerable."

As if to emphasize her point, Vanessa's Magicule shot forward in a rapid, coordinated assault. Each shot aimed to create a web of barriers, restricting Kralos Tal's movements and forcing him to react.

With a twist of his body, Kralos Tal evaded the shot effortlessly, his agility unmatched. He retaliated with a swift, precise strike, his Tomahawk slicing through the air toward Vanessa.

Shi Tian reacted instantly, intercepting the attack with his mechanical arm. The impact reverberated through his entire body, and he gritted his teeth against the strain. But he held his ground, determined to protect Vanessa at all costs.

Vanessa was the main attacker at this moment, so if she was to be harmed or unable to fight, then the fight was equivalent to being over. 

Their coordinated effort had momentarily disrupted Kralos Tal's rhythm, but he quickly adapted. His eyes gleamed with a calculating intelligence, a sign that he was formulating his next move.

Meanwhile, Vanessa's mind raced as she analyzed the situation. 

She knew that they couldn't afford to let Kralos Tal dictate the course of the battle any longer. They needed to seize control and turn the tables in their favor before their stamina gave out and their defenses crumbled.

"This Kralos Tal seemed to have investigated my ability thoroughly. I'm not able to do anything when he knows every move of mine," Vanessa paused her attack and told Shi Tian.

"It seems like the enemies knew you well, to the point that they could point out your weaknesses." Shi Tian smiled bitterly, realizing that it was getting more unlikely for the culprit to be the Harrett Family. 

Right when the situation looked extremely grim for Shi Tian and Vanessa, a voice echoed from outside.

"Why was there a party here and I'm not invited?"