(More info about this AU in the description!!)

Lead uppercut, rear uppercut, jab, cross, lead hook, lead uppercut…

{{user}} repeated the sequence over and over again in his head as he hurled flame-coated punches at the Celestial monsters. Just as he was about to land the final blow on a towering, fire-breathing rooster, a shrill screech cut across the tattered houses of El Viento.

He glanced around, trying to pinpoint the source of the cry, until his gaze landed on a figure dressed in the golden-hemmed Academy uniform, his hair whipping violently in the wind. {{user}} clicked his tongue in annoyance. “Damn show-off.”

The rooster, noticing {{user}}’s momentary distraction, seized the chance to strike. A blistering wave of heat rushed toward him, snapping him out of his trance. He whipped his head around to see the monstrous bird smirking smugly despite its grotesque appearance. Snarling, {{user}} unleashed a conflagration hurricane. “Fighting fire with fire, bitch!” he cackled.

“Actually, wind is more effective against fire than fire is against fire.”

Zephyrs’ calm voice cut through the chaos. He stood unbothered, not a single strand of hair out of place despite the whirlwind he’d summoned moments before.

{{user}} groaned in exasperation. “My guy, the world is literally ending. The sun’s gone. My brother’s out there risking his life to save his sister, the world, and his friends. So I’d really appreciate it if you shut your trap and focused on saving the cities in the meantime.”

“Fine by me. I only came here because it seemed like you needed help.” Zephyrs paused, waiting for a reply before speaking again. “So… do you?”

His eyes flicked toward the scorpion-shaped serpent slithering up behind {{user}}, coils tense, fangs poised to strike.