Unfinished Business

Ryder fought relentlessly against Raya, but it was pointless.

Her massive, six-armed samurai beast moved with terrifying speed.

Every swing of her blade sent waves of energy crashing toward him.

He couldn't keep up, couldn't dodge, couldn't...

He woke up with a gasp.

He blinked, disoriented, his breathing heavy.

Mercury, Catarina, and Kaida stood around his bed, watching him.

"Ryder! You're awake!" Mercury's voice was a mix of relief and concern as she leaned closer.

Catarina flicked her tail nervously, giving a small, relieved smile.

"Nyaa, you really scared us there."

Ryder blinked, still disoriented, glancing around at the worried faces of his teammates.

He took in their expressions before looking down at his own body, realizing that the injuries he remembered had somehow vanished.

"What… what happened?" he murmured, confusion thick in his voice. "Did I... already fight Raya?" he whispered.