The arena was a ruin of shattered stone and smoldering dust, but the tension in the air burned hotter than any fire. Akira's crimson aura still lingered, pulsing like a heartbeat of rage and determination.
Temaki stood beside her, fists clenched, but his eyes darted nervously to the shadows where the intruder had vanished. "She's… hiding something," he muttered, almost to himself.
Akira's glare cut through him. "Then we find it. She wants a fight? She'll get one."
But Temaki's hesitation was palpable. Every instinct screamed that this girl was unlike anyone they'd ever faced—more than a threat, maybe even… a wildcard that could destroy them both.
And she wasn't far.
From the darkness, a ripple of violet energy shimmered. Then, with terrifying precision, the intruder reappeared behind Akira. Her smirk was sharper, more dangerous. "You're predictable, little queen."
Akira spun, blade ready, but the girl's speed was blinding. The clash of their weapons sent sparks flying, shaking the ruins with each strike.
Temaki's voice rang out, strained. "Akira… wait!"
But it was too late. The intruder's violet eyes met his, and for a brief moment, a shiver ran down his spine. There was something there—an unspoken connection, something only he could feel. His loyalty, his desire, even his fear… all tangled together.
Akira noticed. And her heart, fiery and furious, beat faster. "Temaki… stay focused!"
The girl laughed, a sound both melodic and cruel. "Oh, don't worry. I'm not done testing you two yet."
Then, in a flash, she vanished again—leaving behind only a small, glowing crystal embedded in the rubble. It pulsed, rhythmically, like a heartbeat of something alive… something dangerous.
Temaki froze. "That… that's not just a weapon. It's a signal. Someone—or something—is coming."
Akira's eyes widened. "So she's not alone?"
The violet afterimage of the intruder flickered in the shadows, teasing, teasing… and then disappeared completely.
Temaki's hand hovered over Akira's shoulder. "Akira… if we survive this, nothing will ever be the same. She's not just a challenger… she's a storm."
And as the arena trembled again, a whisper slithered through the dust:
"Prepare yourselves. The real game… starts now."