Echoes of The End

The battle raged on like a chaotic symphony, each fighter's movements a testament to their desperation to bring down the seemingly invincible Divine. The Queen stood at the rear, her hands raised, fingers spread wide as shimmering blue magical energy surged from her palms. Her brow was furrowed in intense concentration, lips tightly pressed together as she whispered incantations under her breath. The air around her crackled with power, her long robes billowing in an unseen wind as she summoned a torrent of icy shards that flew towards Divine. Each shard spun in the air, aimed with deadly precision.Divine barely flinched, her skin tough as stone, though one of the shards grazed her arm, leaving a thin line of frostbite. She smiled darkly, her movements swift as she spun to avoid the rest of the shards, her body twisting with feline grace. Her eyes, glowing with malevolent light, locked onto the Queen as she raised one massive hand, ready to retaliate.Cheese was already in motion, dashing forward from the side, his legs pumping furiously as he closed the distance with lightning speed. His face was set in fierce determination, teeth bared, and his eyes glinting with adrenaline. He muttered a spell under his breath, and green flames erupted from his outstretched hand, searing through the air toward Divine. But as he neared her, he flipped into the air, somersaulting to land a punch infused with raw magical force. His fist collided with Divine's side, the impact causing a brief ripple through her body, but she barely staggered. Instead, she swung a backhand at Cheese, who barely managed to duck, rolling on the ground as he narrowly avoided the blow. His feet scrambled to gain purchase, and his eyes flickered with frustration, but he quickly leaped back into action, a mix of magic and brute force guiding his movements.Lance stood firm, his shield raised high, the polished metal gleaming with the reflection of the chaos around him. His lance was gripped tightly in his other hand, the veins in his forearm bulging from the pressure. His feet shifted, digging into the ground as he prepared for his next attack. With a sharp thrust, he lunged forward, his lance aimed directly at Divine's abdomen. The spearhead struck with a powerful force, but it barely pierced her skin. He grunted, muscles straining as he pushed with all his might, his face tight with effort. Divine growled, her eyes flashing with irritation, and she swiped at Lance with her other hand. He raised his shield just in time, the force of the blow ringing through the metal and sending vibrations up his arm. He staggered back, his legs trembling from the impact, but he planted his feet again, unwilling to back down.Jennifer was a blur of motion, her speed astonishing as she darted around Divine like a shadow. Her short hair whipped around her face, her expression sharp and focused. She feinted to the left, then zipped around to Divine's right, her body low to the ground as she closed the distance in an instant. Her boots barely touched the ground before she leaped into the air, spinning mid-jump to deliver a rapid series of strikes with her Punishing Breaker technique. Her fists and feet moved in a deadly rhythm, each blow aimed at Divine's joints and weak points. Her foot connected with Divine's knee, causing a brief falter in the giant's stance, but Divine swiftly retaliated with a wild swing. Jennifer twisted in midair, narrowly avoiding the swipe, and landed lightly on her feet, her breath quick and shallow. Her chest heaved as she backed away, eyes narrowed, searching for another opening.Thronjaw, towering and imposing, gripped his massive sword with both hands, the blade glinting ominously as he swung it with brutal force. His muscles bulged with effort, veins popping from his neck and arms as he aimed for Divine's exposed side. The sword cleaved through the air with a whoosh, and the impact reverberated through the battlefield as it crashed against Divine's skin. Though the blade left a deep gash in her side, Divine barely flinched. Thronjaw growled, his sharp teeth bared in frustration, and he swung again, his foot stomping the ground to gain leverage. His eyes burned with rage, sweat dripping down his brow as he continued his relentless assault, but each strike seemed to do less and less damage as Divine's body healed almost instantly.Divine, despite the growing number of injuries, grinned wickedly, her body beginning to glow faintly with an otherworldly energy. Blood trickled down her arms and legs from the various wounds inflicted by the group, but she showed no signs of slowing down. She twisted her body with a graceful, fluid motion, dodging Lance's next thrust, then pivoted to block Jennifer's attack with an open palm. Her muscles flexed with terrifying strength as she shoved Jennifer back, sending her skidding across the ground. Divine's smile widened, and with a low chuckle, her wounds began to close, the torn skin knitting back together as if time itself were rewinding.The Queen's face twisted in frustration as she saw Divine regenerate. Her hands clenched tightly, fingers curling into fists as she summoned a more powerful spell. Her lips moved faster now, the incantations flowing from her with increasing urgency. The ground beneath Divine's feet began to crack and freeze, frost creeping up her legs, but Divine simply stomped her foot, shattering the ice in an instant. The Queen's eyes widened, her hands trembling slightly as she realized her spells were having less effect.Cheese, panting heavily, wiped the sweat from his brow with the back of his hand. His knuckles were bruised, and his chest rose and fell rapidly as he tried to catch his breath. He shot a glance at Jennifer, who was already preparing to rush in again, and his expression hardened. He muttered another spell, his hands glowing with a fiery light, and charged forward once more, determination etched into every line of his face.Divine's laughter echoed through the battlefield as her wounds finished healing completely. "Is that all you've got?" Her voice dripped with mockery as she raised her arms, her body towering over the group like an unstoppable force.Thronjaw let out a primal roar, his massive frame surging forward, sword raised high above his head, but even as his blade came down with all his might, Divine was already prepared, catching the blade with her bare hand. The force of the strike caused the ground to tremble, but Divine stood firm, her grip unyielding. Thronjaw's muscles tensed as he tried to push the sword deeper, but Divine's eyes glinted with amusement, her lips curling into a cruel smile.The group of fighters, panting and weary, looked at one another, each of them knowing they had given their all, yet Divine stood before them, unscathed and ready for more.Arata slowly pushed himself off the ground, his body battered and bruised from the intense battle, yet there was a new calmness in his demeanor. His legs wobbled for a moment, the pain evident in every step, but he straightened his back, his movements deliberate as he walked ahead of his companions. His shoulders were tense but steady, the weight of the situation evident in the deep breaths he took, his chest rising and falling evenly. His eyes, half-lidded from exhaustion, now gleamed with a quiet resolve."Sorry, you guys," he said in an even, almost casual tone, his voice lacking any trace of the pain he was feeling. His hand brushed against his side, fingers twitching briefly from the aching muscles beneath his skin. "Leave this to me now."The others stood frozen, their breaths caught in their throats, watching Arata walk forward with an unexpected serenity. Divine's attention snapped towards him, her lips curling into a sneer, but there was a subtle tension in her shoulders, a slight narrowing of her eyes that betrayed her surprise."Oh look, it's you," Divine said, her voice laced with mockery, though her fingers tightened into fists at her sides. "What? You want more?"Arata's face remained unchanged, his expression composed and calm. His hands moved slowly, brushing against his waist as he felt the familiar weight of the ring. His fingers grazed over it, feeling the cold metal before he brought it in front of him. He stared down at the ring, his thumb rubbing the surface as if gathering strength from it. He lifted his head and looked up at Divine, his lips parting slightly as he spoke."Angela… We can win, right?" His voice was low but unwavering, the words almost a whisper, yet full of certainty."Of course, master," Angela's voice resonated within his mind, calm and confident, a stark contrast to the chaos around them. Arata's fingers twitched slightly, his grip tightening around the ring. "If it's you and me, we can win. I am, after all, the most powerful being in this whole universe."The corners of Arata's mouth twitched into a small smile, barely noticeable, but enough to show his newfound confidence. His hand, shaking slightly from fatigue, raised the ring toward his middle finger. His fingers flexed, then slowly slid the ring onto his finger. The moment it clicked into place, his entire posture shifted. His shoulders squared, his back straightened, and a new energy seemed to surge through his limbs."Time to finish this battle, Divine," Arata declared, his voice now strong and resolute. His eyes locked onto Divine's with an intensity that made the air between them feel thick with tension. He clenched his fist, the ring glinting in the pale light as he spoke with finality. "I will end you."Behind him, Lance's eyes widened, his mouth parting in shock. His hand, still gripping his lance, trembled slightly. "That ring?" His voice was barely above a whisper as his gaze fixed on the shimmering object. His brow furrowed, confusion and recognition flashing across his face."That's the ring that appeared when we used revivification…" The Queen's voice trembled slightly, her usually composed face now etched with surprise. Her eyes flicked between Arata and the ring, her chest rising and falling with quick, shallow breaths. "Isn't it?"But it was Divine's reaction that shocked everyone. The once smug and untouchable force of nature was no longer sneering. Her body stiffened, her eyes wide with disbelief. Her lips parted, a shaky breath escaping as her entire body recoiled. Her feet shifted backward, her legs buckling slightly as if she was trying to gain distance, her hands trembling at her sides."No way…" Divine's voice came out in a whisper, her pupils dilating in horror. The color drained from her face as she took another step back, her once imposing figure now slumping slightly as if weighed down by fear. Her breathing quickened, her chest heaving. Her fingers twitched nervously, unable to stay still as she stared at the ring."What is she doing here?!" Divine's voice cracked, raw with fear and disbelief. She took another step back, almost stumbling, her hands raising instinctively to shield herself. Her once steady legs now quivered beneath her, her movements erratic. "WHY IS SHE HERE?! SHE SHOULD BE SEALED! WHY IS SHE HERE?!"For the first time in the entire battle, Divine looked vulnerable. Her hands moved to clutch at her chest, her fingers pressing into her skin as if trying to ground herself from the panic that surged through her body. Her legs shifted again, this time more frantic, as if her body couldn't decide whether to fight or flee. Her gaze remained locked on the ring, the terror in her eyes growing with each passing second.And Arata, standing tall with the ring gleaming on his finger, simply watched, calm and unwavering, as the tides of the battle began to turn.Arata's body tensed, his chest rising and falling with heavy, controlled breaths. He stood tall, his back straight as he raised his hand, the one adorned with the ring. His fingers splayed out as he held it in front of him, the metal catching the dim light, reflecting off the polished surface. His muscles twitched slightly as he tightened his grip, the ring pulsing faintly as if responding to his will. His feet shifted slightly, planting firmly into the ground, and his legs bent just enough to brace himself for what was about to happen."I don't have any idea what you're saying, Divine," Arata said, his voice steady and unwavering, yet each word carried the weight of his conviction. His eyes narrowed, his jaw tightening as his gaze bore into Divine's. His hand clenched into a fist, and for a moment, his arm trembled with a mixture of anger and anticipation. "But I assure you… You will die, and I will make sure you do for hurting all the people I care about."He lifted his arm higher, his muscles straining beneath the weight of the moment, his hand shaking slightly from the sheer force of his emotion. The ring on his finger shimmered, catching the light in a radiant glow. His fingers twitched as if grasping the power within it, drawing strength from its presence. His feet spread a little wider, grounding himself, his knees bending slightly as if preparing for the surge of energy that was about to envelop him."Heed my call…" Arata's voice deepened, the words heavy with command as they echoed in the air. His hand slowly began to lower, his fingers stretching outward as if summoning something from deep within the ring. His eyes remained fixed on Divine, unwavering. "Angela…"As the final syllable left his lips, a brilliant light erupted from the ring. It shot outwards in a blinding burst, enveloping Arata's entire body. His legs stiffened, his arms hung slightly outward as if suspended by invisible threads. His fingers splayed open as he was lifted off the ground, his body surrounded by the radiant glow. The light was warm, almost soothing, and his posture shifted, his back straightening even further, his chest pushing out as he was pulled into the transformation.A sleek, white spandex armor began to form around his body, starting from his feet and crawling upward. The material clung to him like a second skin, tight yet flexible, following every contour of his body. His calves were defined beneath the armor, each muscle accentuated as the material hugged his legs. His feet, now encased in spotless white boots, touched back to the ground, his weight settling into them with a soft thud. His thighs, firm and strong, were outlined sharply by the sleek armor, showing off the sheer power hidden within them.The armor continued upward, wrapping around his torso. His abdomen, tightly defined, was encased in the white spandex, the fabric pulling taut over his chest and accentuating the broadness of his shoulders. Over the spandex, light armor began to materialize—an elegant layer of plating that shimmered faintly, catching the light as it formed. His arms, muscular yet controlled, were now covered in the same pristine white material, his fingers curling and uncurling as the transformation took hold.A flowing cape appeared, cascading down from his shoulders like liquid light. The fabric was completely white, yet it shimmered with an ethereal glow, almost like it was made of pure energy. It billowed softly behind him, catching a faint breeze that wasn't there, and every time it moved, it left a soft trail of light in its wake. The cape was long, draping down to the back of his knees, and as it moved, it gave Arata a majestic presence, as if he had stepped into the realm of gods.The transformation continued as a helmet formed around his head, its design sleek and sharp, reminiscent of the most majestic power rangers. The helmet was smooth, with flowing lines that gave it an almost organic feel, as if it had been crafted by some divine hand. His visor was spotless, a gleaming black surface that reflected the world around him, but beneath it, Arata's eyes were sharp, focused. His lips tightened into a thin line beneath the helmet, his breath steady as the full transformation took hold.Arata took a step forward, his boots making a soft, confident sound as they met the ground. His posture was perfect, his back straight, his head held high, the cape swaying gently behind him. His fingers flexed at his side, and his legs moved with purpose, each step precise and measured. The light armor over his chest gleamed, catching every hint of light and amplifying it, making him look otherworldly, too beautiful to be of this realm.Divine, for all her power, took an unconscious step back, her once confident stance faltering at the sight of Arata's new form. Her eyes widened in disbelief, her mouth parted slightly as she stared at the radiant figure before her.The transformation complete, Arata stood tall, his entire being now wrapped in a form that exuded both beauty and power. His legs were firm, grounded, while his arms rested at his sides, ready for what was to come..Cheese's jaw nearly dropped as he stared at Arata, his entire body frozen in place. His wide eyes scanned Arata's new form, taking in every inch of the gleaming white armor, the flowing cape, and the majestic helmet. His fingers twitched, his hands slowly rising in disbelief, as though he was trying to grasp the enormity of what he was witnessing. His legs felt weak, barely holding him up, his knees threatening to buckle under the weight of his astonishment. His lips parted slightly, and his chest rose and fell with shallow breaths, the awe visible in every trembling movement of his body. "Mister Ringmaster… What the…"Lance, standing beside Cheese, took a staggered step back, his shield hanging loosely at his side as he tried to process what he was seeing. His usually firm grip on his lance slackened for a moment, his fingers loosening as his eyes fixated on Arata's transformation. His body stiffened, and his shoulders tensed, his legs shifting uncomfortably as if struggling to ground himself. His mouth twisted into a confused grimace, the disbelief palpable in his furrowed brow and narrowed eyes. His chest heaved once, and he whispered, "You have to be kidding me… This form is something that no Ringmaster has ever had…"Jennifer, still catching her breath from the intense battle, stood a few feet away, her body already loosening in relief. Her eyes sparkled with admiration as she gazed at Arata, her lips curling into a warm, proud smile. Her muscles relaxed, and she took a deep breath, her shoulders lowering as the tension from the fight dissipated. With a smooth, almost graceful motion, she began to untransform, her body glowing briefly before returning to its natural state. As the glow faded, she straightened her posture, placing her hands on her hips with a knowing smirk. "You tell me… That's our Aru for you…" she said, her voice filled with affection and pride. Her stance was relaxed now, but her eyes never left Arata, watching him with trust and confidence.Butter, lying on the ground with her body aching from her injuries, slowly turned her head towards Arata. Her eyes softened as she saw the transformation unfold before her. Despite the pain in her limbs, she managed to prop herself up slightly with her elbow, her hand pressing gently into the ground for support. Her fingers clenched the earth beneath her, but the sight of Arata gave her renewed strength. A soft, tired smile tugged at her lips, and her chest rose and fell with slow, controlled breaths. She winced as she shifted slightly, her body still weak, but the warmth in her gaze was unmistakable. "You got this…" she whispered, her voice barely audible, but filled with hope. She leaned her head back against the ground, her legs stretching out to relax as she allowed herself to rest, comforted by the sight of Arata standing tall.Elio, groaning as he regained consciousness, winced as he clutched his ribs. His fingers pressed tightly against his side, his face contorted in pain as he slowly sat up. His legs shifted as he found a comfortable position, his back slightly hunched from the injury. But when he saw Arata, his expression softened, and despite the pain in his chest, he managed a faint chuckle. "That guy…" he muttered, adjusting his posture and leaning back slightly to relieve the pressure on his ribs. His hand rested over his chest, fingers still gripping his side as he exhaled with a mix of disbelief and relief. "It seems we don't need to worry about things after all…" His voice was filled with admiration, his eyes glinting with newfound hope as he relaxed his shoulders, allowing the tension to leave his body.Next to him, Uriel stirred, his hand brushing against the ground as he pushed himself up. He blinked a few times, his body stiff and sore from the fight. His legs stretched out in front of him as he groaned, rubbing his temple with one hand. As his vision cleared, his eyes locked onto Arata, and his entire body went rigid with shock. His jaw tightened, his breath hitching as he straightened his posture. He planted his feet firmly on the ground, his muscles tensing as he leaned forward slightly, unable to tear his gaze away from the transformed figure. "This kid…" Uriel's voice was low, barely above a whisper, his fingers curling into a fist as a sense of awe washed over him. "He might be even more powerful than Thronjaw…"Thronjaw, standing nearby, overheard Uriel's comment. His massive form shifted slightly, and his face broke into a toothy grin. His broad chest heaved with a deep breath as he rolled his shoulders, his arms crossing over his muscular frame. His legs remained firmly planted, his stance solid and unyielding. Thronjaw's eyes gleamed with both amusement and recognition of Arata's strength. His fingers drummed lightly on his forearms as he gave a low chuckle. "No shit…" he muttered, shaking his head slightly in disbelief, but there was a glint of respect in his gaze.The Queen, who had been watching the battle from a distance, took a step forward, her elegant form casting a long shadow on the battlefield. Her long robes billowed gently in the breeze as her hands clasped in front of her, fingers intertwined delicately. Her regal posture was unshaken, but her eyes were wide with astonishment as they remained fixed on Arata's radiant transformation. Her legs moved gracefully, her heels clicking softly against the ground as she took another step forward. Her chest rose with a quiet breath, and she exhaled slowly, her lips parting slightly as she whispered, "Unbelievable…" Her fingers flexed, and she adjusted the folds of her robe with a soft, graceful motion. Her gaze never wavered as she whispered, "What a majestic form… This is something right out of a fairy tale…"Divine's face contorted with rage, her teeth grinding together as veins pulsed visibly on her forehead. Her fists clenched so tightly that her knuckles turned white, and her entire body tensed up like a coiled spring. "It doesn't matter, it doesn't matter, DOESN'T MATTER! I WILL STILL BEAT THE SHIT OUT OF YOU!" she roared, her voice cracking with desperation. Her feet pounded the ground as she charged at Arata, her legs moving with explosive force, propelling her towards him like a cannonball. Her arms swung wide, aiming to land a devastating punch straight at Arata's face, her muscles straining with each motion.Arata stood completely still, watching her approach with an eerie calmness. His chest rose and fell slowly, each breath controlled and deliberate. "Everything is slow…" he thought, his eyes tracking Divine's movements with clarity he had never experienced before. His fingers flexed at his sides, his body relaxed yet perfectly attuned to every subtle shift in the air. "I can see her… Previously… I couldn't even see her… But now, I clearly see her."As Divine's punch came hurtling towards him, Arata moved. His body shifted effortlessly, his footwork fluid and precise. His right leg slid back in a smooth, measured motion, his torso twisting just enough to let Divine's fist whiff past his face by mere inches. He exhaled softly, his movements so swift and subtle that it almost looked like he hadn't moved at all."What the—" Divine stammered, her eyes wide with disbelief. Her arm was still extended from the missed punch, her momentum carrying her forward. Her body tensed again, and she quickly adjusted, swinging another fist at Arata with furious speed. But again, Arata shifted, his body flowing like water, his feet barely making a sound as he sidestepped her attack. His legs moved with grace, his muscles perfectly coordinated, his balance impeccable. Divine's punch missed again.Her breathing grew labored, her chest heaving with frustration as she unleashed a flurry of punches, each one faster and more desperate than the last. Her fists blurred in the air, her muscles straining with every swing, her legs pivoting as she tried to keep up with Arata's movements. But no matter how hard she tried, Arata was always one step ahead. His dodges were effortless, his body twisting and turning, his feet gliding across the ground as though he was dancing. His arms remained loose at his sides, barely needing to block or parry—he simply moved faster than she could hit."IMPOSSIBLE!" Divine screamed, her voice cracking with panic as sweat dripped down her forehead. Her eyes were wide, her pupils dilated as she tried to comprehend what was happening. "HOW ARE YOU SO STRONG SUDDENLY?! YOU SHOULD BE WEAK AS HELL!"Frustration boiling over, Divine leaped back, her feet slamming into the ground, leaving cracks in the earth. She raised her arms, and dark energy began to swirl around her hands, growing larger and more chaotic by the second. Her face twisted with fury, her teeth gritted as she yelled, "Cataclysmic Surge!" A massive, pulsing dark ball of energy formed between her hands, the very same attack she had used before to overwhelm Arata.Arata stood firm, his body still calm, though his eyes narrowed slightly in concentration. "Arata, imagine you are holding a sword," Angela's voice echoed in his mind, clear and soothing. Their connection was seamless, their thoughts intertwined. Arata closed his eyes briefly, visualizing a sword in his hand. He could feel the cool weight of the hilt in his palm, the sharpness of the blade coursing through his mind.A sword materialized in his hand—a crystal-clear blade that shimmered with ethereal light. It hummed softly, glowing with an otherworldly radiance that pulsed with every beat of Arata's heart. He opened his eyes, and for a moment, he marveled at the beauty of the weapon in his grip. The blade was light as air, yet it felt unbreakable."Arata, do you trust me?" Angela's voice asked again, her tone filled with quiet confidence.Arata smiled, gripping the sword tighter. "I mean, if I've formed a contract with you, I obviously will trust you," he answered, his voice calm yet firm."Good, so trust me when I say, you can slice and cancel out that big-ass ball," Angela reassured him."I see," Arata muttered, his smile widening as the pieces fell into place. He raised the sword, feeling its energy pulse through him, merging with his own. The light from the blade intensified, the brilliance growing so blinding that it illuminated the battlefield. Arata could feel the power coursing through his arms, the sword becoming an extension of his own body.Divine, her eyes wild with fury, hurled the dark ball towards Arata, the energy crackling and distorting the air around it as it sped toward him. The ground beneath her trembled with the sheer force of the attack, and the sky above seemed to darken as the ball drew closer.Arata stood his ground, his body perfectly still. His eyes locked onto the incoming attack, and at the last moment, he moved. With one swift, graceful motion, he swung the glowing sword, the blade cutting through the air with a blinding flash. Time seemed to freeze for a split second as the sword made contact with the dark ball, the blade slicing through it effortlessly. The ball of energy shattered, dissipating into nothingness, its power completely neutralized."NOW, ARATA!" Angela's voice rang out, filled with urgency.Without missing a beat, Arata's body sprang into action. His legs pushed off the ground with incredible speed, the force of his leap sending dust swirling in the air beneath him. In an instant, he was upon Divine, his sword raised high, the light from the blade casting a harsh glow on her panicked face. Divine's eyes widened, her body frozen in shock as she looked into Arata's visor, her fists clenched but unable to react in time."You are dead…" Arata whispered, his voice calm and final. In one fluid motion, he drove the sword into Divine's chest, the blade piercing through her with ease. Divine's body jerked violently as blood sputtered from her lips. Her eyes widened in shock as she coughed, her body trembling, her muscles convulsing as she felt herself fading.Her form began to disintegrate, the dark energy that once surrounded her dissipating into the air like ash caught in the wind. "Unbelievable… What power…" The Queen whispered, her voice filled with awe as she watched Divine crumble into nothingness.Arata, his body suddenly heavy, exhaled deeply. His legs wobbled, and his grip on the sword loosened as the exhaustion from the battle washed over him. His body swayed for a moment before his knees buckled, and he collapsed to the ground, unconscious. Dust rose around him as his body hit the earth, his breath shallow but steady."ARATA!" The Queen's voice broke through the silence, filled with panic as she rushed toward him."ARU!" Jennifer screamed, sprinting across the battlefield, her legs pounding against the ground as they reached the fallen Ringmaster at the climax of this brutal battle.Somewhere in the shadows, far from the battlefield where Arata had just achieved victory, a different storm was brewing. News had already spread—Arata had been branded a traitor, his name stained with accusations of working with the Undergrounders. Beside him, Elio too bore the weight of betrayal, their fates intertwined in the murky depths of conspiracy.Alex, the Lion Ringmaster, stood alone in a dimly lit chamber, his broad shoulders tense, his fists clenched so tightly that his nails dug into his palms, drawing blood. His chest heaved with every breath, his face twisted in an expression of pure, unadulterated rage. The air around him was thick with the weight of his fury, his muscles coiled like a predator ready to strike.His body was still bruised from his humiliating defeat at the hands of Arata, each bruise a burning reminder of his failure. His legs trembled, not from weakness, but from the force of the anger coursing through him, making it difficult for him to remain still. His jaw was clenched so tight that his teeth ground together audibly, and his neck muscles bulged as he struggled to contain the storm within him."I will get you next time, Arata," Alex growled under his breath, his voice low and filled with venom. His hand moved slowly to his side, where the hilt of his sword rested. He gripped it tightly, his fingers curling around the familiar weight as though he could feel the battle replaying in his mind.He took a step forward, his heavy boots thudding against the ground, each step deliberate and filled with purpose. His legs were rigid, his movements stiff with barely-contained rage. His arms twitched with the desire to strike something—anything—to release the anger boiling inside him. His chest rose and fell rapidly, his heart pounding in his ears as flashes of Arata's smug victory haunted his every thought.As he walked across the room his lion-emblazoned armor creaked with every movement, the metal groaning under the strain of his tense muscles. Every fiber of his being was consumed by hatred, his eyes narrowed, burning with the need for revenge.His feet halted abruptly, his boots digging into the ground as he slammed his fist into the nearest wall. The force of the blow sent cracks spiraling through the stone, dust and debris falling to the ground. His breathing was ragged now, his chest heaving as he stared at the fractured wall, his knuckles bleeding from the impact."Arata," Alex muttered again, his voice barely above a whisper, his eyes glowing with an intense, feral hatred. His lips twisted into a snarl, his nostrils flaring as he imagined Arata's face before him. His entire body trembled with anticipation, his muscles quivering with the need to fight, to destroy.His legs shifted slightly, his stance wide and powerful, as though he were bracing himself for the next inevitable confrontation. His hand rested on the hilt of his sword, the metal cold against his palm, a chilling reminder of the fight that was yet to come. His fingers tightened around it, the muscles in his arm bulging with the sheer force of his grip."I will make sure you suffer…" Alex whispered, his voice dark and venomous. His eyes narrowed, filled with the promise of vengeance. His feet moved again, pacing slowly back and forth, his body restless, unable to remain still as the fury inside him simmered, waiting to explode.Every muscle in his body tensed as he imagined the moment he would confront Arata again, the taste of vengeance already sweet on his tongue. His hands flexed at his sides, his fingers twitching with the desire to fight, to prove that he would not be humiliated again.His legs stiffened, his boots pressing firmly into the ground as he stood tall, his head held high. His jaw clenched once more, his eyes burning with a savage intensity as he made a silent vow to himself.