Lotus Explosion!

A sword pierced through Sama's chest, the blade emerging on the other side.

"Shattering Flower Style: Lotus Explosion!"

The sword slashed through him, cutting deep.

"W…h…at?"

Sama collapsed. 

The blade had struck his heart, and Maya's attack had severed most of his chest. 

His life ended in disbelief.

Before Sato could land the final blow, it was Maya who struck Sama down.

"Hah… Hah…"

She panted, trembling with nerves. 

She hadn't expected her attack to succeed, but Sama's weakened state had made it possible. 

It was more than enough to finish him.

Maya stumbled back, pushed aside as Xerox stepped forward to face Sama alone. 

From a distance, she watched the terrifying battle unfold.

Xerox was unlike anything she had ever imagined. 

His power went far beyond what she thought was possible. 

She had already been impressed when he froze multiple enemies as a Rank-4, but this was on another level entirely.

Even though Sama, a Rank-10+, had broken through Xerox's Ice Wall and Dark Ice Wall, they had slowed him down. 

And against all odds, Xerox had survived Sama's deadly attacks.

Maya couldn't believe her eyes. 

This was the same person she had bullied for so long. 

She once thought of him as weak, but now it seemed like he had been holding back all along. 

She even wondered if Xerox had let her hurt him because he enjoyed it, though she wasn't sure.

The boy she thought she knew had changed completely.

But Sama wasn't finished. 

He refused to retreat and charged at Xerox again. 

Maya could see that Xerox was exhausted. 

If Sama attacked one more time, Xerox wouldn't survive.

Her father and Xerox's Dad were still nowhere to be seen. 

There was no one else to help.

She tightened her grip on her sword and decided to act. 

Sama wasn't paying attention to his surroundings. 

He seemed obsessed with Xerox, unable to focus on anything else.

Maya waited for her moment. 

She knew Sama would be most vulnerable just as he prepared to strike.

When the opportunity came, she moved. 

With all her strength, she stabbed her sword straight into Sama's heart.

Then, using her Skill, she drove the blade deeper, cutting into his chest and tearing through flesh and bone.

Sama froze, his eyes wide with shock. 

He couldn't believe it. 

His revenge was left unfinished, and his life ended at the hands of an unknown girl.

As his vision blurred, he saw Xerox—still alive, just a moment away from death himself. 

Sama's body collapsed.

It was over. 

Sama was defeated.

"Xerox!"

Xerox's father and Sato rushed over. 

Xerox's Dad felt immense relief seeing his son alive, and Sato was equally glad to see his daughter and Xerox unharmed. 

They both glanced at Sama's lifeless body, confirming that the threat was finally over.

No one could have predicted such an end for Sama. 

A man feared by many and known for his dominance had fallen in this small federation. 

He had crushed countless federations in recent months, but now all his efforts had been wiped out by one reckless decision.

Xerox's Dad and Sato quickly turned their attention to helping others still locked in battle. 

They joined the fight against the remaining poachers, taking down many Rank-6 enemies and giving the other fighters a much-needed edge.

Some poachers tried to betray their comrades and flee, but Xerox's father and Sato easily captured them. 

From that moment, the tide turned, and the poachers were swiftly defeated.

While the others fought, Maya was tasked with protecting Xerox. 

She wanted to refuse, but seeing Xerox's condition, she reluctantly agreed. 

She stayed by his side, waiting for their mothers to arrive.

Xerox's injuries were severe. 

Although he had taken health potions, they were too weak to fully heal him. 

He lay on the ground, silently grateful to have survived. 

Once again, luck had saved his life. 

This time, he was just one strike away from death, and unlike the Exam dungeon, there were no safety nets here.

"You've gotten strong, haven't you?" 

Maya said, breaking the silence.

"Yeah, I guess so," 

Xerox replied.

He began to reflect on his journey. 

It had been short but filled with growth. 

From the moment he acquired Mind Memory Skill, he had dedicated himself to training, always striving to become stronger.

Life had grown busier after he started his company, but it was far better than the dull, aimless existence he had before. 

He had tried activating Mind Memory again but couldn't gain new knowledge.

Perhaps it was the skill's limit, or maybe he didn't have the capacity to use it again. 

He knew he needed an 10-Rank identification scroll to uncover the full details of his skill. 

The 2-Rank scroll he had used earlier wasn't enough for a skill of this level. 

Until he could acquire a higher-ranked scroll, the mysteries of his power would remain unsolved.

"How did you do that?" 

Maya asked, pointing to the shattered Dark Ice. 

She had felt two distinct energies when Xerox used his skill.

"Oh, that? It's just my Skill. Ice Magic," 

Xerox said, trying to sound casual.

Maya frowned, sensing he wasn't telling the whole truth. 

She didn't press further. 

Everyone had their secrets, and she respected his right to keep his.

"By the way… thank you," 

Xerox said after a pause. 

"If it weren't for you, I'd probably be dead by now. If there's ever anything you need, just ask. I'll do my best to repay you."

(Dead? More like the lowest floor of hell,) 

Maya thought to herself. 

Despite Xerox's newfound strength, she still saw him as the same person—a pervert who just happened to get stronger.

"No need—actually, there is something I want," 

Maya said, a sly smile crossing her face. 

"When the time comes, I hope you'll remember your promise."

Xerox, oblivious to her expression, nodded. 

d"Of course. I swear, whether it's climbing Blade Mountain or walking through a sea of flames, I'll do it without hesitation."

He was overwhelmed with gratitude and didn't realize who he was making such a bold promise to.

Meanwhile, the battle outside was nearing its end. 

Xerox's father and Sato returned, bringing Xerox's mother along with Masha and her mother.

"Xerox!"

Xerox's mother ran to her son, her face pale with worry. 

Seeing him covered in blood and injuries brought tears to her eyes.

"Starry Form: Hands of Blessing!"

Xerox's mother cast a healing spell. 

It eased Xerox's pain but couldn't fully heal him. 

His wounds were too severe for a basic spell to mend, and only an Epic rarity health potion could restore him completely.

"Mom, I'm fine," 

Xerox reassured her, trying to ease her concern.

In truth, this pain was nothing compared to what he had endured before. 

He thought back to the time he collapsed after using his Dual Skill for the first time. 

Back then, he had no potions or healing spells to rely on.

Despite his words, his mother remained worried. 

When Xerox tried to stand, his body gave out, and he fell back down.

"Xerox!"

Mom panicked, and Dad quickly arranged for a stretcher to take Xerox to his room. 

A doctor was called to ensure he received proper care.

"For now, he's out of danger," 

the doctor said solemnly. 

"But it will take some time for his damaged bones to heal. I recommend your wife use her healing magic at least twice a day to speed up his recovery."

He handed a list of prescriptions to Xerox's dad and then left.

Xerox's mother sat by Xerox's side, gently brushing his hair with her fingers. 

"Baby, rest well. I'll make you some delicious soup," 

she said softly, trying to mask her worry with a warm smile.

Xerox nodded, his face pale but calm.

 "Thanks, Mom,"