The arena shook violently as the crystal cracked open completely. From within, a towering shadow figure emerged, aura pulsating with dark, suffocating energy. Its eyes glowed violet, scanning the battlefield like a predator seeking its first strike.
Before anyone could react, the shadow lunged straight at Temaki. He barely had time to dodge, stumbling backward as the force of the attack ripped through the rubble around him.
"Temaki!" Akira screamed, crimson flames flaring violently around her. Rage, protectiveness, and raw power fused together as her aura erupted beyond Rank 15, streaking like fire across the arena. Every step she took left scorched marks on the floor.
The intruder froze, watching. Her violet aura flickered strangely, a rare flicker of fear—and concern—showing in her usually confident eyes. For the first time, she realized Temaki's safety mattered to her more than she expected.
The shadow's attack struck again, faster this time, aiming to crush Temaki where he stood. Akira's blade intercepted it, sending shockwaves that shattered the nearby pillars. Fire and dark energy collided, lighting up the arena in blinding flashes.
"Stay behind me!" Akira roared to Temaki, her eyes burning crimson with intensity. The storm of flames around her twisted and surged, the full extent of her awakened power leaving the intruder staring in awe.
The intruder whispered, almost to herself, "She… she's willing to die for him…" Her eyes softened for a brief, fleeting moment. She didn't understand it, didn't want to admit it—but something in her chest ached at the sight of Akira protecting Temaki with everything she had.
The shadow launched another strike—quicker, more ferocious. Akira met it head-on, aura flaring to blinding intensity. Every swing of her blade was precise, lethal, and fueled by emotion. Sparks and flames lit the arena as she forced the shadow back step by step, while keeping Temaki safe.
Temaki looked up at her, heart pounding. "Akira… your power… it's insane!"
Akira's gaze never wavered from the shadow. "I don't care what you are… or how strong you think you are. You touch him, and I'll burn everything in my path!"
The intruder took a step back, conflicted, unsure of how to act—half afraid, half… something else. Her violet eyes lingered on Temaki, her expression betraying a tiny crack in her heart.
Cliffhanger: Akira's full power is unleashed, the shadow continues its relentless assault, and the intruder's feelings for Temaki begin to stir—can anyone survive the storm that's about to break?