The crater hissed with steam.
Chunks of glowing stone floated midair before snapping back into place—like time and space were trying to fix themselves. The edges of the arena pulsed with golden circuitry, ancient runes flaring to life as the world began rebuilding itself around the wreckage.
Joshua stood there, shirt torn to ribbons, chest heaving, skin marked with faint scorch lines. His wings had retracted, but the divine and void energy still pulsed beneath his skin—bright on one side, dark on the other.
Across from him, Adam rolled his neck, shirtless too now, steam rising from his shoulders. Lines of golden runes lit up along his arms and torso, almost tribal, shifting slightly with each breath. His grin was wide, teeth glinting like he'd just won a bet.
Joshua smirked back, blood still trailing from the edge of his mouth.
"So," Adam said, cracking his knuckles, "you wanna go another round?"
Joshua didn't even hesitate.
"Hell yeah."
