The first attacker died before Leo even registered the movement.
Iori's blade simply appeared in the man's throat. No wasted motion. No hesitation. One moment he was charging forward, weapon raised. The next, he crumpled, blood spraying across the stone floor as his sword clattered from his hand into Iori's grip.
She'd barely moved.
This was eight-star power, utilized efficiently.
Leo had seen Iori fight before. He had trained with her. But this was different. She killed with cold, terrifying efficiency.
Two more attackers came at her from opposite sides.
She flowed between them like water. Her sword sang through the air. Both men dropped. One clutched the stump of his arm. The other tried to hold his opened stomach together.
Leo started to step forward.
"STAY BACK!" Iori snapped without looking at him. "You're not ready for this!"
The words stung, but she was right.
Four more attackers approached, spreading out with professional coordination.
Daichi appeared at Iori's left flank, blade already in hand. Leo had no idea where it came from. Security had searched everyone thoroughly. He guessed that he may have just picked it up when he wasn't looking.
Takeshi snatched a sword from a fallen attacker and took the right side. He grinned, eyes bright with excitement. "Finally! Some real action!"
"Focus!" Daichi's voice cut sharp.
The attackers struck hard.
Iori met two at once. Her blades moved too fast to follow. Blood sprayed. Bodies fell. She made it look effortless.
Daichi handled his opponent with calm, precise strikes. His foe was skilled, but Daichi matched him perfectly.
Takeshi fought the last with raw aggression, strength and flashy movements overwhelming the man.
Akane and Yuki stayed back, weapons ready, guarding the group's rear.
Leo stood frozen, watching stronger fighters work. He felt useless.
Then one attacker slipped through.
He had waited for the right moment and targeted the weakest link.
The man came low and fast, dagger aimed at Leo's throat. Five-star, maybe low six. Strong enough to make Leo's four-star aura feel weak.
But Leo was already moving.
Defiance and Resolve materialized in his hands.
The dagger thrust toward his neck.
Leo twisted and brought Defiance up in a heavy block. The clash rang out. The attacker stumbled back, surprised by the sudden force.
Leo did not let him recover.
Resolve slashed in from the side.
The man tried to dodge. He almost succeeded.
Resolve caught his arm. Not deep, but enough.
The blood drain activated. Leo felt the quiet pull of life energy flowing into the blade.
The attacker's eyes widened. He felt his strength fading with every heartbeat.
Leo pressed forward. Defiance delivered heavy blows while Resolve opened more cuts. Each strike drained more energy.
Thirty seconds later, the attacker collapsed. Too weak to stand.
Leo stood over him, breathing hard, heart pounding.
His first real fight since the mana zone. His first time using the swords against a trained opponent.
He had won. Barely.
Around him, the others had finished their fights. Bodies lay scattered. Blood pooled on the stone.
But the danger had not ended.
---
Leo looked across the arena. His stomach dropped.
They were not the only ones under attack.
The western stands where the elves had sat were now ruins of broken stone, fire, and bodies. Survivors crawled from the rubble while elven mages raised shaky barriers.
The dwarves had formed a tight shield wall. Axes and hammers rose and fell with brutal force, holding their ground.
Human noble sections had fallen into pure chaos. Guards fought desperately to protect their lords.
Beastkin warriors fought in small scattered groups while others fled toward the exits.
Everywhere, violence and panic ruled.
The attackers wore plain dark cloaks with no markings. No banners. No clues.
Imperial guards finally pushed through the crowd, but they moved too slowly. The attack had caught them completely off guard.
High above, in the Imperial Box, guards hurried the Emperor away.
The exits had become death traps. People crushed and trampled each other in blind panic.
"We can't stay here." Iori's voice cut through the noise. She breathed harder than usual but stayed composed. "We're too exposed."
She looked at Leo. Really looked.
"Can you fight?"
Every muscle burned. His arms felt heavy. The short fight had taken more out of him than he wanted to admit.
"Yes," he lied.
Iori's eyes narrowed. She knew, but she did not call him out.
"Then stay close. We're getting out of here."
"We should help the others!" Takeshi gestured toward the elven section. "They're—"
"Our duty is to our House first." Iori's tone left no room for argument. "We move now."
Takeshi looked ready to protest, but Daichi placed a hand on his shoulder. That was enough.
"Formation," Iori commanded. "I'll take point. Daichi, rear guard. Everyone else between us. Leo, stay near me."
They started pushing toward the nearest exit.
Iori carved a path, cutting down anyone who blocked them.
They were halfway there when Leo spotted her.
The academy section had partially collapsed. Students scattered in every direction. Body lay on the ground dead, some helped the wounded while others fled.
The elf knelt in the middle of it all. Her black hair was messy, her dress torn. Her hands glowed faint green as she healed a wounded student. Prana magic.
She looked terrified but determined.
Two cloaked figures were slowly approaching her from behind, weapons drawn. She had not seen them.
Leo's group kept moving toward the exit.
If he went to her, he would leave safety behind.
Leo changed direction.
"Leo!" Iori's voice rang out, sharp and commanding. "Where are you going?!"
He glanced back for a second.
"Someone I know is in trouble!"
"We can't save everyone!" Frustration and fear flashed in her eyes.
"I have to try!"
Before she could grab him, Leo ran into the chaos toward the academy section.
Behind him, Iori cursed loudly and creatively.
Then: "Daichi! Go with him! Keep that idiot alive!"
Heavy footsteps followed.
Daichi had broken formation to chase after him.
But Leo only focused on reaching the elf.