Peter Parker stood quietly in the shadows, his heart beating like a drum, his eyes fixed intently on the thrilling battle unfolding before him.
"Incredible... simply incredible..."
The man, who looked frail on the outside, was launching a fierce assault on the Lizard with astonishing strength and speed. Every punch and kick was packed with power, driving the Lizard back step by step, leaving him with almost no room to counterattack.
"This strength... it's unbelievable!" Peter marveled to himself, having never witnessed a human being this powerful. "Could he have had some extraordinary encounter like I did?"
However, just as Peter thought the battle was nearing its end, the Lizard's terrifying regenerative abilities kicked in. His wounds healed rapidly, severed limbs grew back, and his body was restored to its original state.
"Oh no?" Peter's eyes widened, a sense of unease welling up in his heart. "The Lizard's regeneration has activated." He began to doubt whether this man could truly defeat the Lizard.
The Lizard's body healed at a visible rate, those initially fatal wounds reversing as if time were flowing backward. He slowly rose to his feet, his physique appearing even more robust, radiating a far more ferocious aura.
"No, if this keeps going, he's going to be worn down by the Lizard!" A deep sense of helplessness washed over Peter. He vividly remembered facing such an invincible foe in the past—that sense of despair where no amount of effort could completely knock the enemy down. He knew all too well that even with the man's immense power, as long as he couldn't deliver a fatal blow, the Lizard's regeneration would continually drain his stamina and willpower.
"What should I do? I can't just stand here and watch him fail..."
The light of hope in Peter's eyes flickered like a candle in the wind. His heart was filled with contradiction and struggle. On one hand, he hoped the man could defeat the Lizard and save the city; on the other hand, he feared the man would be driven into a desperate plight by the Lizard's regenerative powers.
"Sir, Dr. Lizard's regeneration is incredible! If you don't finish the fight quickly, he'll keep recovering and drag us into a war of attrition! You have to deal damage faster than he can heal to secure victory!" Spider-Man shouted anxiously. He swung back and forth on his webs in the air, trying to draw Dr. Lizard's attention, but to no avail.
Zhongsu ignored Spider-Man's warning, his gaze steady and focused, locked tightly onto Dr. Lizard. He knew time was of the essence; every second of hesitation could lead to a fatal mistake.
Just as Dr. Lizard's wounds began to heal at an alarming rate, Zhongsu did not hesitate for a second. He charged at his opponent like lightning, his fists raining down like a storm, each punch carrying immense force capable of shattering steel.
"You think your little tricks can make me back down? You are gravely mistaken!" Zhongsu's voice was cold and confident, a nearly cruel smile playing at the corners of his mouth. His eyes gleamed with a hunger for victory, as if he had already seen Dr. Lizard defeated.
"Hmph, Zhongsu, don't get so arrogant!" Dr. Lizard roared, his body gradually growing larger, muscles bulging and brimming with power. He swung his razor-sharp claws at Zhongsu.
Yet Zhongsu nimbly evaded the attack and pressed his fierce offensive.
"Your regeneration is powerful indeed, but that doesn't mean you're invincible!" Zhongsu sneered, his speed accelerating and the force of his punches intensifying.
Dr. Lizard's defenses began to crumble, deep gashes appearing all over his body. But moments later, those wounds vanished, replaced by fresh skin and tissue.
"Not bad, not bad."
"Out of the Netherworld for so long without a workout, this fight feels great."
"Think you're strong?"
"Then let's find out!" Zhongsu retorted without a hint of weakness.
With those words, his movements grew exceptionally slow and powerful, as if accumulating some tremendous energy. He slowly raised his palm, fingers slightly curved as though preparing to perform some ancient ritual. His voice was deep and resonant, every syllable sounding like an echo from the abyss:
"Wrath of Thunder, descend!"
At his call, the electrical charges in the air began to gather, current crackling across his fingertips to form dazzling electric arcs. A vortex of energy formed around his body, all of it under his control, poised to be unleashed in a single instant.
Dr. Lizard seemed to sense the threat of this power; a flash of fear crossed his eyes, instantly replaced by fury.
"Damn you—"
He roared, his massive body trembling as he prepared his own counterattack.
"Come on, Zhongsu! Let's settle this!" Dr. Lizard bellowed.
Yet Zhongsu was faster.
He lashed out with his palm, and the long-accumulated energy surged toward Dr. Lizard like a bolt of lightning. In the blink of an eye, the entire battlefield was engulfed in a blinding light, the roar of the thunder deafening.
This was a clash of might against might, a duel of intellect and instinct.
Could Zhongsu and his Wrath of Thunder overcome Dr. Lizard's seemingly infinite regeneration?
The answer lay within this single thunderous strike.