Neraxis snapped back to reality.
Before him stood the S-Grade Hunters—bloodied, battered, but still standing.
He exhaled slowly.
"So it was just an illusion."
Across the battlefield, Yura stepped forward once more, his aura flaring violently, distorting the air around him.
Neraxis' gaze sharpened.
"His technique… Absolute Motion is troublesome."
Yura lunged.
THUD!
His fist slammed into Neraxis' guard, the impact cracking the ground beneath them. Neraxis parried smoothly, a grin carving across his face as mirror shards erupted from Yura's body.
That's what we call a clean counter.
SWISH! SWISH! SWISH!
A body intercepted the shards.
Ren Takeda stepped in front of Yura, mirror fragments slicing into his flesh, carving deep crimson lines across his torso.
Yura's eyes widened.
"Sir?!"
Ren spat blood, wiping his lip as he smiled faintly.
"Just looking out for juniors. Don't worry about me."
…Strange, Ren thought.
I've always been selfish. I never cared if a junior or even a friend died.
So why… why didn't I want him to die?
Blood streamed down his chest.
Ren stepped forward anyway.
He slammed his fist into Neraxis—eyes glowing, smile wide, almost feral.
The force pushed Neraxis several steps back.
Neraxis laughed softly.
"You grow stronger with every wound… Interesting."
Ren lunged again.
Neraxis countered instantly.
ZZNGH! THUD!
A Yellow Dash detonated against Ren's body, hurling him into a nearby building. Concrete shattered. Debris rained down as smoke coiled upward.
From above—
Toura Oni descended, her presence sharp and hostile.
Neraxis barely evaded, teeth clicking in irritation.
I need to take her down, he thought.
She's attacking my soul…
His gaze flicked toward Seraphine.
And that middle-aged woman…
One touch, and she erases my Vital Force.
Neraxis straightened, eyes burning with intent.
This battlefield is getting dangerous.