Sofi stood at the top. Her fingers brushed the ring on her hand—light flared, and silvery armor wrapped around her in an instant.
She sliced the air, tearing open space itself. White flames burst out, delivering a heavy metal sword into her grip.
Zo Fang smirked. "Still as dramatic as ever. Maybe that's why all your friends died by my hands."
"Don't you dare say their names," Sofi snapped.
A black ray shot toward Zo Fang. Sofi's sword slashed through it, but he slipped aside with ease.
"Why so angry?" he mocked. "I was only remembering how much fun I had watching them suffer."
Sofi lunged again. "Say their names one more time."
Zo Fang's grin thinned. He kicked her hard in the gut. "What's wrong? Afraid to lose?" He grabbed her hair, slammed her head against the wall, then drove her into the ground. Lifting her up, he hurled her toward Nikolash.
"What, not going to take your revenge?" Zo Fang said.
Nikolash lowered his head. "Thank you, Dad, for giving me this chance. I won't waste it."
His sword flashed out, striking Sofi with the hilt. He yanked her hair, flinging her toward Zo Fang, who kicked her away and laughed. "You're right, Nikolash, this was a great idea."
Suddenly, Nikolash's blade plunged into Zo Fang's chest.
Zo Fang caught his wrist, eyes narrowing. "I knew something was wrong." He smashed his knee into Nikolash's face, wrenched the sword free, and said coldly, "I didn't expect betrayal… but you'll pay for it."
Sofi's gaze locked on Nikolash. Her voice dropped. "Why? Why would you do this?"
Her mind flashed back. Magic beasts closing in, Nikolash barely standing. Sofi appeared, cutting them down, pulling him onto her sword.
"Come on, Nikolash. That man was weak—someone at your level should've handled him easily."
"You're right," he'd said, "but you've always been there to save me."
"That won't always happen," she'd warned. "I may be strong, but I have many enemies. You won't always be here with me. You'll have to protect yourself."
"Then I'll protect you," he'd promised.
She'd laughed. "Learn to protect yourself first."
The memory faded. Present again, Nikolash stared at her sword. "Didn't I promise, Master? I'll always protect you."
Zo Fang stepped in, grabbing Nikolash by the hair. "Looks like I ruined a sweet moment."
"Put him down," Sofi said.
"Still breathing, are we?" Zo Fang tilted his head.
Sofi bit her finger. "Hidden Technique…" Her hands flashed through complex signs. A phoenix flared into existence behind her, then dissolved into energy, flowing into her body.
Zo Fang shook his head. "So much drama. He must mean a lot to you."
Then he raised his arms. "Blood Demon Art: Devour."
Darkness swallowed the area. Red energy poured into Zo Fang's body, twisting it—six clawed arms, a beast's fanged grin, blackened cracked skin, a long tail, and bat-like wings unfurling.
Sofi frowned. "That's the form you've chosen?"
Zo Fang grinned. "Yes… and now, the real fun begins."