The ruined plaza was eerily silent as the last four teams faced each other, the chain between Kyle and Eleanora pulled taut, their breathing steady despite the exhaustion creeping in.
Across from them, Cassian cracked his knuckles, flames flickering around his gauntlets, while Samuel adjusted his grip on his massive greatsword.
Then, footsteps echoed.
Serena Blackthorn stepped into the plaza, her glaive resting on her shoulder, the blade crackling with faint arcs of lightning. Beside her, Clara Reeves, Rank 12 twirled her halberd, fire dancing along its edge.
And finally, Cedric entered, his longsword gleaming under the crimson sky.
His partner, a brown-haired girl clutching a katana—stayed close, her knuckles white around the hilt.
For a moment, no one moved.
Then Nexus's voice boomed:
"Only Ten minutes remains."
Cassian grinned. "Well, this just got interesting."
Serena's cold gaze swept over them before landing on Cedric.
Her lips curled in disgust.
