Readying themselves for battle, the brothers each squared off against a mercenary Ash and Zaru taking on one, while Axel faced the other.
Ash and Zaru exchanged a quick glance, an unspoken understanding passing between them before both lunged forward in unison. Their opponent charged to meet them head-on, while the second mercenary closed in on Axel.
Zaru darted up the mercenary's body, leaping and scrambling around him to create constant openings. Ash took full advantage, landing a flurry of precise blows with growing momentum.
Meanwhile, Axel fought with a different rhythm calm and calculated. He focused on defense, bending space to nullify attacks and responding with sheer physical force whenever an opportunity presented itself.
"It seems to be going well," Korthok remarked to Olorith, eyes following the exchange. "Ash and that monkey are working together impressively, and Axel's managing to hold his ground."
"Yes," Olorith agreed, his tone thoughtful. "Though I'm more concerned about Axel. He hasn't developed any true offensive magic yet only his ability to open small rifts in space. He lacks imagination… with the right spark, he could have ended his fight by now."
Back in the fight, the mercenary facing Ash and Zaru suddenly raised a hand and backed off, chest heaving. "Wait why are you doing this?" he demanded. "We're the same kind. Are they holding you? Forcing you to fight?" He took a step closer, voice oily with false sympathy. "Join us. We can free you, bring you back to our kingdom… hell, you could even have your own slaves."
Olorith's ears twitched as he listened from the shadows. So it begins, he thought. Let's see what the boys choose I'd hate to have to get rid of such useful creatures.
The mercenary smiled and jabbed a finger toward a darkened cage, its outline swallowing the light. "It's true. Join us and we'll deal with whoever's keeping you here. We'll make good use of them,just like her."
Looking toward where the mercenary pointed, Ash's gaze fell on the battered girl. His fists tightened, his head lowering as fury burned inside him.
"Red eyes… different races… humans really are disgusting beings," he muttered through clenched teeth.
Suddenly, Ash's aura burst forth violently, crackling in the air like a storm. Zaru, feeling the surge wash over him, staggered slightly before realizing his body was changing growing until he stood nearly shoulder-height with Ash.
"Wh–what's happening to me?" he gasped, eyes wide.
Olorith's lips curled into a dark smile. "So that's your choice, then," he said softly. "A wonderful choice indeed."
"Whoa… is that Ash?" Axel muttered, glancing in his brother's direction. He could feel a surge of power pulsing through the air, raw and intense. "Something's happening over there. I need to finish this quickly and help him."
Fueled by the sudden rush of energy, Zaru turned back to the mercenary, eyes burning with resolve. "You're going to pay for all the pain you've caused!" he shouted, his strikes now sharper, his movements more deliberate no longer just a distraction, but a full-on assault.
He shot another glance at Ash, concern flickering across his face. Ash, who had been standing in eerie silence, suddenly sprang forward in a flash of blinding speed. "Viper's Fang!" he cried, his attack slamming squarely into the mercenary's face and sending him crashing to the ground, unconscious.
Without missing a beat, Ash dashed to the caged girl and smashed the lock with a single blow. "It's okay you're free now," he said gently as the door swung open.
Zaru's form began to shrink back to normal, the intense energy dissipating as quickly as it came. He exhaled deeply, watching Ash in quiet realization. "So that's how it is…" he murmured.
Axel froze, eyes wide, a nervous laugh escaping him as screams echoed in the background. The mercenary on the ground clung to his leg, wailing in agony.
"W-wait, I didn't mean to take off his foot! I was just trying to stick him to the ground!" Axel shouted, waving his arms frantically as sweat ran down his face.
The mercenary screamed even louder.
Axel sighed, rubbing his head. "...Yeah, okay, this is getting awkward. Let's just uh go find Ash."
Axel sprinted toward his brother, who was comforting the girl trapped inside the cage. Seeing her battered state, his face twisted with anger, fists clenched tightly.
"Come on, Ash. Let's get her out of here," he growled, helping his brother lift her as they carried her toward Olorith and Korthok.
Olorith's lips curved into a sinister smile. "Such exemplary students we have here. Don't you agree, Korthok?"