"ALRIGHT, THE BATTLE... BEGINS NOW!"
The crowd erupted in deafening cheers. The air in the arena vibrated, charged with magical energy and burning determination.
Iron Knight raised his shield and slammed it into the ground. "TOWER GUARD!"
BAM!
A metallic glow enveloped him, rendering him temporarily invulnerable. Meanwhile, The Swift dashed forward like lightning, "LIGHTNING DASH!" He vanished from sight before reappearing right behind Voice.
But Voice had already anticipated the attack. He opened his mouth cover and uttered, "FROZEN ECHO!" A low-frequency hum reverberated, slowing time around him.
The Swift, caught in the attack, found himself moving in slow motion. His eyes widened as Voice opened his mouth wider, preparing another strike. "SONIC BOOM!" A high-frequency sound wave blasted The Swift, sending him flying. Blood sprayed from his body as he crashed.
Mysterious X didn't hesitate. His spear crackled with lightning as he lunged toward Iron Knight.
"You think your defense is unbreakable?" Mysterious X taunted.
His spear thrust forward, but Iron Knight deflected the attack and countered with "IRON RETALIATION!"—reflecting the strike with double the force.
Mysterious X was sent flying, his body bloodied from the powerful counter. Reacting swiftly, Stone Sentinel raised his hand. "GRANITE WALL!" A massive stone barrier erupted, blocking Iron Knight's counterattack and buying Mysterious X time to recover.
Meanwhile, Keen Observer—with his Tactigaze ability—analyzed the enemy's weaknesses, observing every move with precision. "Alright, Fire Keeper, attack Forest Guardian! He's their healer—take him out first!" he shouted.
"And don't forget Voice—his abilities are a nuisance. We need to focus on him too!"
Iron Knight nodded and slammed his shield into the ground once more. "KNIGHT'S RALLY!" he roared. A protective aura spread across his team, boosting their strength and endurance.
Fire Keeper charged toward Forest Guardian, swinging his staff with force. "INFERNO TORNADO!" A raging fire whirl surged forward, but Stone Sentinel intercepted it.
"GRANITE WALL!" A five-meter-tall stone barrier blocked the flames. "Did you forget about me?" Stone Sentinel smirked before punching the air.
"STONE FISTS!" Giant stone hands erupted from the ground, slamming into Fire Keeper with devastating force.
Forest Guardian seized the opportunity. "Fog of the Elders!" A thick mist filled the arena, obscuring Team 3's vision.
"Don't let them control the battle!" Iron Knight barked.
Water Master waved his hands, summoning a massive wave to clear the fog. "We need to take down their healer fast!"
The Swift, still injured, gritted his teeth in frustration. "You think that's enough?!"
He vanished again, reappearing behind Forest Guardian with crackling electric hands. "STATIC TOUCH!" Thunder crackled as Forest Guardian was paralyzed, his body locking up.
"I'VE GOT HIM!" The Swift yelled, leaping high while clutching Forest Guardian.
"TESLA'S WRATH!" He prepared to crash down with a devastating strike—but a cold voice cut through the air.
"Not so fast."
SHING!
Leon's blade flashed like lightning, slicing through The Swift mid-air. "You're too slow," Leon remarked coolly.
The Swift lost his grip and plummeted to the ground.
Leon caught Forest Guardian mid-fall, setting him down gently. "Thanks for saving me," Forest Guardian whispered weakly.
"Don't mention it. We're a team," Leon replied warmly.
Despite his paralysis, Forest Guardian placed his hand on the ground, summoning nature's power. "ROOT MENDING!" Vibrant green roots coiled around him, healing his wounds and dispelling the paralysis.
Relief washed over Forest Guardian's face as he stood up, fully recovered. Then, he unleashed another ability. "ENTANGLE!" Roots slithered like snakes, coiling around Iron Knight, Keen Observer, and Water Master, immobilizing them.
Mysterious X seized the moment. "PREPARE YOURSELVES!" He lunged at Water Master with his spear—
But Water Master retaliated. "WATER PRISON!" A liquid cage trapped Mysterious X mid-strike, halting his attack.
"I'VE GOT HIM! NOW, FIRE KEEPER!" Water Master shouted.
Fire Keeper, recovering from Stone Sentinel's earlier attack, raised his staff confidently. "HELLFIRE BURST!" A concentrated blast of fire formed at his staff's tip, ready to incinerate Mysterious X.
"Not happening," Leon said coldly, intercepting the attack.
The Swift, fueled by rage, charged at Leon at full speed. "LIGHTNING GOD KICK!" His electrified kick shot forward—
But Leon caught it effortlessly. "You're fast, but your strikes are weak," he said before hurling The Swift straight at Fire Keeper.
Then, Leon unleashed his counterattack. "BLADE OF THE VOID!" His sword slash cleaved through both of them, splitting the ground beneath and obliterating everything in its path.
Blood splattered across the arena, a grim reminder of the battle's brutality. Only three members of Team 3 remained standing—Keen Observer, Iron Knight, and Water Master, still bound by roots.
Keen Observer, seeing his teammates unconscious, scrambled for a counterattack.
The announcer's voice boomed hysterically. "LADIES AND GENTLEMEN, TEAM 3 ISN'T BACKING DOWN YET! CAN THEY TURN THE TIDE WITH ONLY THREE MEMBERS LEFT?!"
The crowd supporting Team 3 went wild, standing and cheering for a comeback.
Meanwhile, Zenless Mammon, seated in the VIP section, smirked in satisfaction, his eyes gleaming with anticipation for the inevitable victory.
=== BAB 22 END ===