Mayuri's violet eyes flashed even brighter.
And she vanished.
Nebuko didn't even have time to react.
One moment she was standing in front of her. The next—
Mayuri was already beside her.
Time seemed to slow down.
Nebuko's movements became heavy, sluggish, as if she were fighting against the very air itself.
— What…?
The blow came without warning.
A kick.
Straight to the ribs.
Nebuko was thrown to the side like a rag doll. She hit the ground, rolling several meters away.
— NEBUKO! — Destro shouted.
But it was too late.
Mayuri had already vanished.
She appeared right in front of him.
Destro didn't hesitate for a moment. He swung his massive sword, aiming straight for her body.
— DIE!
He struck.
There was a loud crack.
But it wasn't the sound of flesh.
It was the sword.
The blade snapped.
It shattered into pieces that fell to the ground.
— No way… — Destro whispered. — Who is she…?
He looked into her eyes. They were violet, deep. Unnatural.
And suddenly…
He fell to his knees.
— What's going on…? — he whispered, looking at his hands. — Why… has my power… disappeared…?
His aura faded.
As if someone had simply turned it off.
Nebuko slowly rose from the ground. Blood trickled from her lips. She wiped it away with her sleeve, breathing heavily.
She looked at Mayuri.
— I thought… that Valdor was the threat…
She clenched her teeth.
— But she… is a greater one.
She no longer had the strength to fight.
Destro was still kneeling, staring at his hands as if he didn't understand what had happened.
Mayuri stood motionless.
The shadow around her began to fade.
Slowly.
As if something had run out.
Her violet eyes went dark.
Her body swayed.
And she fell.
Powerless.
— MAYURI! — Valdor shouted.
He broke away from his fight with Arok and rushed toward Mayuri.
But suddenly, Arok stepped in his way, blocking him with a single movement.
— Focus.
The commentator jumped to his feet.
— ONLY THEY REMAIN IN THE ARENA! VALDOR AND AROK! WHO WILL EMERGE FROM HERE AS THE VICTOR?!
The arena fell silent.
Everyone was watching only them.
Valdor looked at Arok.
— We're staying.
Arok nodded.
— That's right.
A moment of silence.
— Only you or I will come out of this alive.
He raised his sword slightly.
— And I have no intention of losing.
Valdor narrowed his eyes.
Something began to stir in his mind.
— Arok…
That was a name.
It sounded familiar.
Too familiar.
— Where have I…?
Arok looked at him differently than before.
Quieter.
More serious.
— I will defeat you, Valdor…
He took a step forward.
— …my friend.
Valdor's heart beat faster.