Chapter 20: The Lioness's Challenge

Liona's taunts cut deep, reminding Wendy of the consequences of her choices and the perilous situation she found herself in. But amidst the mockery, Liona showed a flicker of pity for Wendy, viewing her as a wounded animal in her weakened state.

Taking a step closer to Wendy, Liona's voice became more somber, a low growl underlying her words. "I'll make you a deal, Wendy," she proposed, her tone holding a rare note of compassion for a lioness. "If you can manage to land just one attack on me, I'll stand down. Consider it a small mercy for your efforts."

Liona's offer felt like a challenge and an opportunity, like a lioness testing her prey before going in for the meal. Liona had to know that Wendy's chances of a successful hit were extremely low given her weakened condition, but Liona was willing to give her a small glimmer of hope. Was this a trap?

"Why would she..." Wendy questioned in her mind.

Liona's gaze pierced through Wendy. It became clear to Wendy that this battle held a deeper purpose, one that went beyond mere physical strength. Liona had something else in mind, something she was seeking to accomplish through this encounter.

In the face of Liona's confident smirk and her unspoken intentions, Wendy prepared for the worst . Even if it was a trap, she would brace herself for what would come next. Wendy nodded her head, agreeing to her terms.

"Good... but you only get one strike," Liona's voice growled, her tone resonating with the authority of a lioness in control. "If you miss, I won't hesitate to tear you apart."

"One huh…that's all I need!"

Wendy and Liona faced each other with their eyes were locked on. The ground beneath them trembled slightly as Liona's Neos energy formed into the shape of fierce lion claws around her hands in preparation.

Wendy, with her remaining Neos energy from the Neos Energy Gathering technique, formed a shimmering barrier around her body for insurance, then, channeling every ounce of power she had left, she formed a Pink aura of energy around her hands. The air around her seemed to vibrate with the energy she was unleashing, like a quiet storm building up before an eruption. Her eyes narrowed in focus.

With a fierce growl, Liona lunged at Wendy, her Neos energy forming lion-like claws which slashed through the air with incredible speed. Wendy reacted with agility and precision. Her mind raced, analyzing Liona's movements, searching for one opening to strike in. The seconds felt like an eternity as she desperately sought an opportunity to land a hit. Seeing her opening, she sends her fist foward into and unleashed a devastating punch towards Liona, clashing against her Claws.

When they clashed, the area around them seemed to blur into a whirlwind of motion and energy. The meeting of their power sent shockwaves spreading across the battlefield. For a moment, it was as if time stood still, and everything hinged on this single, critical moment.

The impact was so tremendous that Both Wendy and Liona were sent forward from the force of the clash, landing on opposite sides of the battlefield.

Wendy's breath were ragged and she struggled to remain on her feet in the aftermath. Her one attack had been unleashed with all the strength she could muster, and she knew she absolutely had nothing left. Wendy stood there, her eyes wide. She had given it her all, and yet she knew. She knew that she had failed to land a decisive blow. Wendy's eyes were lowing out of sadness, but It was then that Liona interrupted her.

"Well, well, little Wendy," Liona said, a faint smirk playing on her lips. "You've defeated me."

Wendy's eyebrow raised in bewilderment. "But I..... missed with my attack…You're not even hurt! How can you say I've won?"

Liona chuckled softly, "Victory isn't always about who lands the final blow. You may have missed your strike, but you gave it everything you had and earned my respect today. That's what matters to me. So go, and go quickly before I change my mind."

"I... I don't get it....I don't understand… I am going against the family…Why would you of all people let me go like this? It doesn't make sense..."

"Would you Rather me tear you apart right here instead? Like I said, get going, before I change my damn mind!"

Liona's words struck Wendy with some fear and relif. The intensity in Liona's voice sent a shiver down her spine, but the fact that she was being allowed to go brought a temporary repose. Wendy knew she shouldn't question it further, sensing some level of inner conflict within Liona. She nodded silently, understanding that lingering any longer would only escalate the situation.

"Thank you," Wendy said softly, her voice filled with gratitude. She turned and began to walk away, her steps heavy with exhaustion. As she distanced herself from Liona, Wendy couldn't shake off the feeling that there was much more to this encounter than met the eye.

"Liona… what's actually on your mind?" She wondered as she left the scene.

As Wendy left the scene, Maer Arrived. Maer's piercing gaze locked immediately onto the defeated Yenza. The weight of his failures hung heavily in the air, his defeated posture a stark reminder of his shortcomings. Maer's eyes narrowed with disappointment and frustration.

Without uttering a word, Maer signaled to Liona, who understood the command. Liona approached Yenza with a stern gaze. Yenza, realizing the gravity of the situation, cast a brief glance at Wendy's retreating figure before resigning himself to his fate.

Liona's grip tightened around Yenza's arm as she began to lead him away. Maer's gaze was a silent reminder of the consequences that awaited him for his failures. Yenza's face dropped, knowing that his failures had not only disappointed his mother but also endangered the unity of their family.

As they walked away, Yenza stole one last look at Maer, his eyes filled with remorse. He knew that he would have to face the consequences of his action

"Guards" Maer snaps her finger and the Guards of Neospace arrived. The guards stood tall at attention with their armor gleaming in the light. Each piece of their attire was intricately designed with a Neos symbol that represented the kingdom's authority and power. The symbol's design was a swirling vortex of cosmic energy. It was prominently displayed on their breastplates.

They escorted Kayo and Kolra away, who had been defeated by Maer. Their armor emitted a faint cosmic glow, as if resonating with the energy that surrounded them.

The Defeated Kayo struggled against the firm grip of the guards. He was determined to reach Wendy and desperately reached out his hands towards her.

"Wendy! I must… Help!"

Beside him, Kolra's thoughts raced, knowing that Kayo's actions were futile against the overwhelming forces that surrounded them. She cast a sympathetic glance towards Kayo, understanding his intentions, but also realizing the futility of their situation.

Maer's anger radiated as she stood before them, her gaze cold and unwavering. She regarded them as nothing more than disobedient children who had dared to aid those she despised—Purgus and Wendy. Her voice dripped with disdain as she spoke,

"You thought your feeble attempt to help them would go unnoticed? Your actions have branded you as criminals, just like the ones you sought to aid!"

Kolra's voice quivered slightly as she tried to reason with Maer, "But... we were only trying to help Wendy. We believed in her!"

Maer laughs, and her laughed stopped at a scornful gaze,

" Wendy? You think you can challenge the authority and protect someone who has been labeled a criminal to this kingdom? Your misplaced loyalty and foolishness will be your downfall."

With a flick of her hand, Maer signaled the guards who swiftly moved in, their presence overwhelming. Kayo fought against their grasp, "Let me go! I won't let you take my sister away!"

But his struggles were in vain, as the guards tightened their hold on Kayo and Kolra, leading them away to face the consequences of their actions. Maer watched, then folded her arms, waiting for Kayo to realize the futility of his efforts. Her voice cuts through the air,

"You are criminals who have defied the authority of this kingdom! Prepare to face the consequences."

After watching them being Escorted to Jail, Maer's gaze shifted towards the ongoing battle between Purgus and Howl, her eyes narrowing as she observed the clash of power . Her attention was fixated on her son, Howl, whom she held great expectations for. She was confident in his abilities and his loyalty to the family's legacy.

As Wendy approached, Maer's focus momentarily shifted towards her. She assessed Wendy's weakened condition, her injuries evident, and questioned her resolve to intervene in a battle against Howl. Maer couldn't comprehend what Wendy hoped to achieve, considering Howl's presumed superiority in strength and skill.

A hint of skepticism flickered across Maer's face as she observed Wendy's approach. To her, it seemed like an act of desperation, a futile attempt to save Purgus from an inevitable defeat.

"You... just what do you hope to accomplish by coming here looking like that?"