Three days had passed, and today I was set to face Zenita in battle. Sitting in my room, I was lost in thought, trying to figure out how I could possibly defeat her. After witnessing the sheer strength of her aura, I was genuinely worried about my chances.

“Excuse me,” came a knock on the door. Fidelis entered the room. “Good morning, Shinya. Are you feeling ready?” he asked.

“To be honest, after what happened that day, I’m scared of her,” I admitted. Fidelis noticed my unease.

“It’s true that Zenita is strong, but she’s not unbeatable. Even I managed to defeat her,” he said proudly.

“What? How?” I asked, stunned. Fidelis leaned in and whispered something in my ear that left me utterly shocked.

“You should eat breakfast now; otherwise, you’ll run out of stamina,” he added with a grin before leaving the room.

After Eleanor and Mira finished their bath, they stepped out wrapped in towels. Mira appeared perfectly normal, but Eleanor looked embarrassed.

“Ah, sorry!” I exclaimed, quickly turning away as my face flushed red.

A short while later, Eleanor and Mira got dressed, and we all headed downstairs for breakfast.

After eating, we arrived at an arena that resembled a coliseum. Sunlight poured in, illuminating the sand beneath our feet and casting long shadows across the stone walls. The air was thick with anticipation, a blend of excitement and tense energy.

In the royal box, the king, queen, and their children… Their expressions were a mixture of pride and curiosity. Oscard was seated nearby, wearing his usual smug grin, brimming with self-importance.

On one side of the arena, mages and healers had gathered, cheering enthusiastically for Zenita. Their voices blended into a harmonious mix of encouragement and excitement, and the atmosphere around them buzzed with magical energy.

Opposite them stood the paladins, their armor gleaming under the sunlight. They roared with fervor, their cheers echoing through the air and creating a powerful sense of camaraderie.

I had always gotten along well with the paladins. During my training, Fidelis wasn’t the only one I practiced swordsmanship with. I sparred with many of them, each bringing their unique fighting styles and experiences to the table. I was always friendly toward them, and in return, they welcomed me into their ranks.

It was more than just training we shared. Sometimes, after an exhausting session, they’d invite me for drinks. Those evenings turned into treasured moments, filled with laughter and camaraderie. As we clinked our mugs, we’d share stories of our pasts—tales of victories and failures, battles fought, and friendships forged. In those moments, I truly felt a sense of belonging.

Their encouragement pushed me to improve, and their stories inspired me to embrace the strength within myself. The bonds we built were like those of a family; we celebrated each other’s triumphs and comforted one another in times of loss. They weren’t just comrades-in-arms; each one of them was a vital thread in the fabric of my new life.

In a world that was often harsh and unforgiving, the paladins reminded me of the importance of unity, loyalty, and the strength found in friendship. Standing in the arena surrounded by their cheers, I felt gratitude for the connections I had forged. No matter what happened today, I knew I carried their unwavering support with me into the battle.

Still, nervousness crept in. As I waited in the room, my legs trembled slightly. At that moment, Fidelis, Felicia, Mira, and Eleanor entered to check on me. Mira and Felicia were holding hands, their bond evident; they looked like siblings, deeply connected.

“Shinya, are you scared?” Fidelis asked, concern etched across his face.

“What if I fail?” I responded, my voice tinged with worry.

Fidelis smiled reassuringly and placed his hands firmly on my shoulders. “No matter what happens, the paladins and I will always be your family. Don’t worry.”

His words helped ease my tension, if only a little. Felicia stepped forward and wrapped her arms around me in a warm hug. "Shinya onii-san is really strong," she said, her innocence shining through.

Mira quickly joined in, hugging me tightly. "Onii-san is so cool!" she exclaimed. Their support, even if for a brief moment, swept away my worries.

"Alright, Mira and Felicia. Let’s head to our seats," Fidelis said as he gently ushered the girls out of the room.

Now, it was just Eleanor and me. She stood there, avoiding eye contact, her demeanor suddenly shifting. "Shinya," she said, her tone serious. "If you lose this fight, you’re sleeping on the floor for a month."

Raising an eyebrow out of curiosity, I asked, "And if I win?"

A sly smile crept across Eleanor's lips. "You’ll get a reward."

Unable to suppress my curiosity, I stepped closer. "What kind of reward?"

"It’s a surprise," she replied with a teasing grin.

She moved closer to me and softly kissed my cheek. Her breath warmed my skin, and I felt a wave of heat spread across my face, my chest pounding in response. "Eleanor?" I stammered, caught off guard.

"You’d better win!" she said in a determined tone before leaving the room.

Now alone, her words lingered heavily in the air. I took a deep breath and steeled my mind. It was time to don my armor and prepare for the upcoming battle.

This armor wasn’t ordinary—it contained a small amount of Luminara’s essence, offering extraordinary magical protection. Forged from Celestrium, a rare element harvested from falling star meteors, it was renowned for its unparalleled durability and ability to absorb kinetic energy. Each piece shimmered with a celestial glow.

Crafted and enchanted by master dwarven smiths, the armor was a stunning mix of gold and white, radiating divine energy. The helmet, which covered all but my eyes, featured elegant, wing-like designs that enhanced my agility.

The gauntlets and boots, also made of Celestrium, provided a perfect balance of protection and comfort. They allowed me precise control over my sword while absorbing the force of high-impact blows.

Wearing this armor made me feel invincible—a symbol of divine power forged by the best artisans.

I reached for my sword, Lux Divina. Crafted from Ferroxia, a legendary element, it was unmatched in sharpness and strength. The sword could cut through nearly anything and channel light energy, amplifying the power of each strike against the forces of darkness.

Finally, I picked up my shield, Aegis Solis. Its golden surface gleamed like the sun, adorned with a radiant emblem of divine protection. Like the armor, it was forged from Celestrium and could absorb both physical and magical attacks with remarkable efficiency.

Armed with Lux Divina and Aegis Solis, I felt prepared for battle. Ready to face whatever awaited me in the arena, I embraced the strength of the divine tools bestowed upon me.

"Ladies and gentlemen, welcome to the Radiant Battleground! Today, you will witness an epic clash of strength and skill. But first, let us greet the royal family. Welcome, Your Majesties!"

The announcer’s voice echoed across the arena as the king and queen waved gracefully from their royal seats, drawing a thunderous round of applause from the crowd.

"Now, let us meet our contestants! On the right, we have a woman who graces every man’s dreams. As radiant as the stars, shining like the sun, she wields mastery over all basic magic and light elements at a god level. Her presence alone exudes an aura that compels all who stand before her to bow. Ladies and gentlemen, please give a warm welcome to Zenita-sama!"

As the announcer finished, an uproar of cheers erupted from the crowd, particularly from the mages and healers. The gates swung open, and Zenita stepped into the battlefield with poise and grace. Roses floated through the air, tossed by her adoring fans—both men and women alike—who couldn’t contain their admiration. She returned their enthusiasm with a radiant smile, her confidence shining as brightly as her presence.

Zenita was dressed in a mesmerizing witch’s gown, a blend of soft pink and white that flowed elegantly around her. The fabric sparkled like stardust, catching the light to enhance her ethereal beauty. The gown featured a plunging neckline and a fitted bodice that highlighted her figure, while delicate lace adorned the hem and sleeves, adding a touch of sophistication.

On her head rested a classic witch’s hat with a broad brim that cast a subtle shadow over her enchanting features. The hat was accented with a silver ribbon that glimmered under the arena’s bright lights. In her hand, she held a finely crafted staff, its length adorned with intricate designs that seemed to pulse with energy. At its top, a heart-shaped jewel glowed softly, radiating a warm light that mirrored Zenita’s brilliance.

"Now, let’s meet the other contestant! On the left, we have a young man chosen by the Goddess herself. He is the Light of Luminara, destined to lead the Paladins. The one who will illuminate the darkness, our savior. Ladies and gentlemen, I present to you: Shinya Kage!"

Unlike Zenita’s majestic entrance, the atmosphere shifted as the Paladins rose to their feet, enveloping the arena in a wave of solidarity. Fidelis and his comrades stood tall, their armor gleaming under the radiant lights. In unison, they began striking their fists against their chests and shields rhythmically. The resounding clash of metal filled the air, creating a powerful, resonant melody that echoed throughout the battleground.

The synchronized display was mesmerizing: three strong beats followed by a thunderous, unified cry of "Shinya!" It was a moment of grandeur, their voices reverberating with unshakable loyalty and pride. As the rhythmic tribute continued, the Paladins' fervor remained unwavering, forming an almost divine harmony.

When the gate creaked open and I stepped into the arena, the Paladins’ cheers erupted like a tidal wave crashing ashore. They raised their swords to the sky, their blades glinting with the promise of victory, shouting my name with fiery passion. The chant of "Shinya!" echoed in the air, forming a chorus of unhesitant support that swelled my heart.

Overwhelmed by emotion, I felt tears welling in my eyes as I looked at my brothers standing together. Their cheers weren’t mere sounds; they were a testament to the bond we had built—a reminder of the family forged through countless training sessions and shared stories. This overwhelming sense of camaraderie ignited a fire within me, preparing me to face any challenge ahead.

A surge of adrenaline coursed through my veins as my body instinctively readied itself for the battle ahead. I knew the Paladins were waiting for me to raise my sword. With determination, I lifted Lux Divina high and roared, "Hraaaaaaah!" In response, the Paladins let out their own battle cries, their voices merging into a powerful chorus.

Among the crowd, my eyes briefly met Fidelis and Eleanor. Fidelis wore a proud smile, like a father witnessing his child’s triumph, while Eleanor’s expression seemed to silently say, "That’s my boy."

I turned to face Zenita, preparing for the confrontation. This battle was my trial—a chance to prove myself as the commander of the Paladins. For that reason, Zenita was my opponent today. No matter how alluring she looked or how deeply she might feel for me, I had to defeat her. I took a deep breath, steadying my mind and body for the fight ahead.

Zenita’s gaze burned with a seductive hunger. Her pupils, now heart-shaped, fixed on me as she licked her lips and bit them gently, sizing me up like a predator assessing its prey. To her, I was pure and innocent—qualities that made me irresistible to her. I had heard that succubuses were particularly drawn to those with untainted, virtuous souls. But it wasn’t just that; Zenita recognized the power within me, which made me the perfect prey in her eyes.

"Ah, Shinya-kun, I've been waiting for this moment since the day you came into this world," Zenita purred, her voice dripping with desire and seduction. "I know how strong you are, and I've always wanted to experience it firsthand. Today, you look absolutely delectable. I'm going to enjoy this fight." Her sultry gaze locked onto me, unrelenting.

I felt a strange mix of unease and relief. Her presence was intimidating, yet beneath it all, there seemed to be genuine emotions—though whether they were directed at me or the power she sensed within me, I couldn’t tell.

"Let this battle be legendary, Zenita," I said, smiling behind the helmet that concealed my face. "I'll use everything you taught me during our training."

"I'm glad to hear that," she replied, her lips curling into an eager grin. "The loser will be the one who surrenders or can no longer fight."

At that moment, the announcer’s voice boomed through the arena. "Now, the support team will create a barrier to protect the audience."

As the words echoed, a group of twenty healers began chanting in perfect harmony. Their synchronized voices wove a protective spell, forming a shimmering barrier around the battleground to ensure no harm would come to the spectators.

"Don’t hold back, Zenita," I said, my tone bold and challenging. I wanted to see her full strength, unrestrained and unleashed.

Zenita’s lips curled into a provocative smile, her gaze smoldering as it remained fixed on me. A predatory glint danced in her eyes. "Oh, Shinya-kun, you don’t have to worry about that," she murmured, her voice a blend of affection and menace. "No matter how much I adore you, there will be no mercy today. I want to experience your true power, too." Her tongue slid slowly across her lips as if savoring the thought. She was hungry—hungry for my strength.

"Now, begin!" The announcer’s voice signaled the start of the duel.

"Meteor Fire!"

The moment Zenita cast her spell, the atmosphere of the Radiant Battleground shifted dramatically. The power of her magic was palpable, and the air grew heavy with tension. The excited murmurs of the crowd ceased abruptly as all eyes turned to the center of the arena.

The temperature began to rise steadily, and the once-clear sky above turned a deep crimson, darkening ominously. The ground beneath me trembled faintly, and the oppressive weight of the looming magic became more suffocating with each passing second.

Zenita’s voice pierced the silence of the arena, resonating with a melodic yet terrifying authority. The sky above dramatically darkened as clouds gathered, as if we were on the edge of a different world. That ominous red hue bathed the battlefield in long shadows, filling the air with a deadly tension.

Suddenly, the sky exploded in flames. Massive meteors began to emerge, lighting up the arena with a blinding flash of light. Hanging in the air for the briefest moment, they then plummeted toward me with terrifying speed. Each one descended with the roar of thunder, shaking the air and everything around me as it hurtled toward me.

"Boost!" I shouted, casting my enhancement spell as I sprinted toward Zenita. She was a mage, while I was trained for close combat. To defeat her, I had to get as close as possible.

"Shit! Shit! Shit!" The heat from the meteors coming at me from behind burned my skin; the ground beneath me shook violently with every impact. As fiery rocks fell, the temperature of the arena intensified, and the fear and adrenaline surged through my body.

When the meteors hit the ground, the force was catastrophic. The earth erupted in a burst of fire and debris, sending shockwaves across the arena. The noise was deafening—a booming thunderous sound that overwhelmed everything, rattling the bones. A thick cloud of ash and smoke billowed up, swirling around me like a suffocating blanket.

By some miracle, none of the meteors directly hit me, but I felt the destructive force of each one that struck the ground. A sharp force followed by searing heat that burned into my flesh—a violent, sudden pain.

"Goddamn it!" I cursed, my words lost in the chaos. Each impact knocked me off balance, but I didn’t fall. The smell of burning earth and charred leather filled my lungs, and my skin screamed as the fire from my armor scorched me. Even the adrenaline coursing through my veins couldn’t dull the pain.

Through the haze of agony, I could hear the announcer’s voice, hoarse yet filled with excitement: "It seems Zenita-sama has started with a devastating spell! Meteor Fire, typically targeting multiple enemies, has been focused on a single target this time—just as expected from Zenita-sama!"

But I couldn’t stop here. As I ran, I had closed the distance to Zenita. Now, it was my turn to strike.

"Light Speed Rush!" I shouted, activating my light-speed attack spell. Time seemed to slow down in an instant. Everything around me, except for myself, was moving as if in slow motion. With all my speed, I lunged toward Zenita, raising my sword high. Just as I was about to strike, Zenita’s face turned toward me, as if she too were moving in slow motion. A sly grin spread across her face. It caught me off guard, but I wasn’t going to stop. I swung my sword directly at her chest.

However, instead of hitting her chest, my sword collided with a powerful barrier. Normally, Lux Divina could easily break through low- and mid-tier barriers. But against an opponent like Zenita, expecting a simple barrier would have been a mistake.

The collision of my sword with the barrier created a powerful shockwave of energy. The moment this wave spread, time returned to its normal flow. My armor absorbed the released energy effortlessly, and I was pushed back a few meters.

"An incredible move from Shinya! He was so fast that it seemed as if everything happened in the blink of an eye. However, Zenita-sama's barrier easily blocked his attack!"

"Did you really think you could get so close, Shinya-kun?" Zenita said, sounding amused.

"Oh, come on, I just wanted to hug you and rest my head on your soft chest," I replied with a mischievous smile.

"Oh, darling, you can do that as much as you want after the duel," she winked back at me.

For a moment, I reconsidered my strategy. First, I needed to break Zenita’s barrier. In theory, I could use "Light Speed Rush" three times in a row, but there’s about a ten-minute cooldown afterward. I could deal constant damage to the barrier, but I didn’t think Zenita would give me such an easy opportunity to attack. So, I had to take some risks.

My Divine Punishment skill was a spell that could nullify even strong barriers. Normally, it would take three or four strikes to break a powerful barrier, but because my sword was so strong, I had a chance to break through the barrier in one hit.

If I could destroy this barrier, I could use "Light Speed Rush" again to land the final blow on Zenita. The strategy was dangerous, but right now, I had no other option.

"Boost!" I shouted, gaining both speed and power. Then, once again, I shouted, "Light Speed Rush!" activating my light-speed movement ability. As everything around me faded, time seemed to come to a near halt. I sprinted toward Zenita’s barrier, lifting my sword, preparing for a powerful strike.

"Divine Punishment!" I shouted, and my sword glowed with holy light as a magical hum echoed through the air. The warm, sharp light enveloped my blade as the atmosphere in the arena grew heavy. The energy was so intense that the light surrounding my sword rippled like the flames of a burning torch. As I struck the barrier, the light emanating from my sword slammed into the wall, and the barrier began to tremble. Suddenly, it shattered, disappearing under the force of the light.

A look of shock appeared on Zenita’s face; it was clear she hadn’t expected this. Without giving her a chance to retaliate, I activated my "Light Speed Rush" ability once again. Time slowed down to the point where it almost came to a halt, and Zenita's stunned face appeared in front of me in slow motion. She tried to move away, but she wasn’t fast enough. When I reached her side, I thrust my sword into my target—her abdomen.

The moment my sword made contact with her flesh, time resumed its normal flow. The look of shock on Zenita’s face shifted into one of pain and momentary defeat. The once echoing silence of the arena slowly transformed into a tense hum, as if the spectators were holding their breath.

The crowd, holding their breath in anticipation, fell into complete silence for a moment. The mages and healers stood frozen, trying to comprehend the intensity of the blow I had dealt to Zenita. Then, after that silence, the roar of the paladins filled the arena, their voices echoing like thunder as they struck their shields in synchronized rhythm. The metallic sound of their shields clanging rang through the air. “Shinya! Shinya!” they chanted in unison, their voices growing louder with every shout, as if to elevate me. Their support gave me strength, and their cheers filled me with renewed morale.

“We are witnessing an incredible moment, ladies and gentlemen!” the announcer shouted. “Shinya shattered Zenita’s barrier and plunged his sword into her! Our eyes couldn’t even follow his speed! This mesmerizing battle took place in the blink of an eye!”

Zenita’s expression tightened in pain, but there was no sign of surrender in her eyes. “Ah, it seems I should have made the barrier a bit stronger,” she said, breathing harder with each word.

“Are you giving up?” I asked, never taking my eyes off her.

“Hahaha, Shinya-kun, we’ve only just begun,” she responded, a faint smile appearing on her face. In an instant, she raised her hand into the air, and I felt a wave of magical energy.

“Tornado!” she yelled, and immediately, I was engulfed by a powerful hurricane. The winds inside the tornado were as sharp and strong as sword strikes. As the winds wrapped around me, I lost my footing and was hurled across the arena at great speed. With a violent crash, I hit the ground, and for a brief moment, the world around me spun in a blur.

At that moment, the cheers from the mages and healers rose, supporting Zenita as their voices filled the air. As I tried to stand up, my head still spinning, the intense effects of the hurricane had left various injuries across my body. I considered using my inner energy to heal myself, but the rules of this duel prohibited both sides from using healing magic. In this situation, every wound became a new challenge, testing both my endurance and my strategy.

"I've underestimated you, Shinya-kun," Zenita said, a playful gleam in her eyes. Her wound in her abdomen was still bleeding, but as the rules forbade us from using healing magic, she pressed her hand against the wound, covering it with fire. The heat from the flames managed to stop the bleeding.

“It’s a shame to see such a beautiful body marked by that scar,” I said, giving her a slight smile.

Zenita looked at me with a mocking gleam in her eyes. "After this is over, you can heal me."

"Of course, after I defeat you," I replied with a confident smile.

Her laughter was soft, but tinged with a hint of sarcasm. "Hahaha, you're quite the troublemaker, Shinya-kun. I like it. How about a bet?"

I gave her a cautious look. "A bet?"

Her smile widened, her eyes gleaming with a familiar passion. "If I win, you'll do whatever I ask."

At her offer, I hesitated for a moment, but then asked with curiosity, "And if I win?"

Zenita winked at me, her lips curling into a sly grin as she slowly licked them. "I'll do whatever you want."

"I'm glad to hear that," I said, before calling out, "Holy Light Ball!" I created the ball of sacred light and launched it at Zenita. The ball sped toward her like a bullet. However, Zenita didn’t even move; with a simple wave of her hand, she neutralized the light ball. It dispersed in the air, vanishing without a trace.

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The advantage of this ability was its limitless use and minimal mana consumption, making it ideal for rapid, repeated attacks. However, its downside was its low attack power. While it reached the target quickly, the damage was weak, which made it better suited for distracting the enemy. Zenita's lack of reaction had disrupted my plan, but I had to make use of this opportunity.

Gripping my sword and shield tightly, I began rushing toward Zenita. Activating my boosting ability, I increased my speed even further while continuing to hurl Holy Light Balls at her. As my attacks reached her quickly, I could see the calm expression on Zenita’s face. Of course, she wasn’t going to stand still.

She extended her hand toward the direction I was charging and shouted, "Earth Swamp!" With the echo of the incantation, the ground beneath my feet started to shift. I had to stop my charge abruptly as the ground turned into a muddy swamp, quickly pulling me down. With every movement of my legs, I sank deeper, and the situation was becoming more dire.

"Looks like you enjoy throwing things, Shinya-kun. Now let me throw something at you!" Zenita called out, her face twisted into a devilish grin.

"Spike Rain!" she shouted, casting a new spell. As the words of the incantation echoed in the air, the ground began to tremble ominously; the vibrations spread through my body like a cold shiver running down my spine. The earth cracked open, and the air was filled with tension. In a matter of seconds, about ten jagged pieces of earth rose from the ground. Each one sharpened rapidly, transforming into deadly spikes.

The deafening noise reverberated through the Radiant Battleground’s massive arena, as if symbolizing the awakening of a monster. The difficulty and danger of the upcoming battle made the crowd hold their breath in anticipation.

Everything happened in an instant. Much like the Meteor Fire spell, the spikes shot toward me with terrifying speed, aiming to pierce through flesh and bone. I couldn’t move; my legs were buried in the mud up to my knees, and my ability to move was completely restricted by the trap. This time, I had no choice but to defend.

My equipment was made of the finest materials and reinforced with powerful spells; I had to rely on them.

As the first spike came toward me, I swung my sword with delicate precision. As I felt the weight of my sacred sword, Lux Divina, in my hand, the spike split apart like soft clay. As expected, the spikes weren’t very durable, but their speed and angles of attack were incredibly dangerous.

Four more spikes came at me in quick succession, and I shattered each one with the divine glow of Lux Divina. Five spikes remained. As Zenita hurled the remaining spikes at me in a deadly barrage, her sly grin never left her face. These spikes moved much faster, slicing through the air with a sharp whistle as they headed straight for me.

It was impossible to deflect them all with just my sword. As one spike approached my right side with great speed, two spikes from my left came at me simultaneously; their shadows seemed ready to swallow me whole. I slashed my sword at the spike on my right, destroying it, and quickly raised my golden shield, Aegis Solis, to intercept the others. When the sharp tips struck my shield, they shattered into dust, enveloping the area in a cloud of glowing light.

However, something was off. There were supposed to be ten spikes, but I had only managed to deflect eight of them.

Before I could react, the remaining two spikes came from behind, piercing my back. The sharp blows sent a jolt of pain through my body, and I felt my bones tremble. The pain was intense, and my breath caught in my chest as my vision darkened. But even then, I still had enough strength inside me to stand tall.

The clanging of my armor echoed across the battlefield. After the spikes hit, dust clouds surrounded me, but thanks to my armor’s resistance, the spikes had been completely destroyed. My armor had taken the full brunt of the deadly assault and miraculously remained intact. I took a moment to assess my equipment; the intricate magic etched into the surface of my armor shimmered, vibrating gently as it glowed with life. Without this armor, I would have likely been defeated by now, I thought. My heart raced from the adrenaline of the sudden attack, and the tension of the battle echoed through my veins.

The crowd around me had held its breath after the strike, and their silent awe was palpable. Every inhale in the arena seemed to raise the tension even further. I smiled at Zenita, looking at her with amusement. "Looks like you enjoy playing games, Zenita," I said. I noticed the excitement in her eyes; this fight was just as entertaining for her as it was for me.

"Ah, darling, I was just trying to warm up," Zenita replied, a playful smile on her lips.

With her spell, “Dragon’s Breath!” a massive silhouette of a dragon formed from swirling flames. In that instant, an alarm blared in my mind. I needed to get out of here immediately; otherwise, I would be burned alive under the flames.

I planted my shield into the swamp and shouted, “Shield Burst!” The force from the explosion sent the surrounding mud flying into the air, pulling me free from the swamp. But at that moment, the dragon opened its mouth and unleashed a torrent of fire. I could feel the intensity of the flames, and I knew my equipment couldn’t withstand such power alone. I rolled to the right, narrowly avoiding the fire, but the dragon didn’t relent and sprayed another wave of flames at me.

Using my boosting ability, I started sprinting. Fortunately, the dragon couldn’t continuously breathe fire; it needed time between each attack. As I ran, I also tried to devise my next strategy. I needed a little more time to use my Light-Speed attack ability again. I guessed Zenita had probably created another barrier to protect herself.

At that moment, Zenita didn’t hesitate. She raised her hand toward the ground and shouted, “Earthquake!” The ground beneath my feet began to shake; it was like a small-scale earthquake. The tremor was so strong that I lost my balance and tumbled to the ground, my sword and shield flying from my hands. When the shaking stopped abruptly, I looked up to see the dragon breathing fire at me once again. This time, there was no time to escape. I had to act quickly to defend myself.

The flames rushed toward me, and as my heart raced, I spotted my shield on the right side. I lunged toward it, pulling it toward me and pointing it toward the oncoming fire. “Shield Burst!” I shouted, activating the shield’s explosion magic.

A beam of light erupted from Aegis Solis, colliding with the dragon’s flames in a burst. The impact created shockwaves throughout the arena; the ground shook, and the air around us filled with intense tension. However, the explosion from my shield wasn’t enough to stop the massive flames of the dragon. The remaining fire passed around my shield, wrapping around me and searing my body with a painful heat.

I was burning. It felt like I was in hell. My armor protected me from the flames, but I could still feel it—my body was burning from the inside out. My skin felt as though it was baking like a chicken in an oven. The heat was dehydrating me, and my head throbbed with each passing second. The dehydration was draining my strength rapidly. But despite this overwhelming force, I resisted. Zenita, on the other hand, was relishing the moment, laughing maniacally: “Hahaha, amazing! Amazing!”

The announcer's voice echoed through the arena, reaching its peak as the excitement soared: "I can’t believe my eyes, dear viewers! What an incredible battle! I can feel the tremendous aura spreading from here!" The crowd was on the edge of their seats, watching the clash of powers between us, the atmosphere charged with an electrifying energy.

Zenita called out to me in a mocking tone: “Shinya, are you alright? You’re looking a little roasted.”

I immediately shot back sarcastically: “Oh, yeah, it’s getting a little warm in here.” Then I smiled and added, “Is that all your power? Just some cheap swamp tricks, a dragon, and a few dirt spikes? I thought you’d be stronger, Zenita-chan.” I wanted to provoke her; by making her angry, I could increase the chances of her making a mistake and losing focus.

Zenita seemed to be slightly irritated by my teasing. A clear sign of anger was visible on her face as she clenched her teeth and glared at me.

"Alright then, let's finish this battle," she said coldly. Her eyes seemed to foretell destruction. She raised her hand into the air and began to cast a spell. I immediately charged toward her.

"You'll meet something far stronger than your weak light balls now, Shinya," she said, a seriousness in her gaze that I had never seen before.

"Star Balls!" she shouted, and five white orbs of light appeared around her. The balls shot toward me at high speed.

The light balls were coming fast. But just as they were about to hit me, I quickly ducked and managed to easily dodge them, moving out of the way.

"Is that all–" I began to speak, but suddenly felt a jolt of fear. I immediately leapt to the right. Zenita's light balls were about to hit me from behind.

"These light balls constantly track their target," Zenita said, with a mocking tone in her voice. There was no way to avoid them; I had to find a way to defeat them.

The light balls now attacked from different directions. I activated my light-speed attack ability to dodge, but something unexpected happened. Even though everything around me seemed to freeze, the light balls continued coming toward me at their normal speed, as though time had no effect on them. They were incredibly fast.

I managed to avoid three of them, but one hit me. The impact on my armor was brutal; I felt a sharp pain, as if something had broken in my ribs. Everything around me returned to normal speed after the light ball’s impact. All I could feel was the lingering ache in my body.

When I deflected the last light ball with my shield, it collided with Zenita's barrier. The shock caused the barrier’s surface to crack slightly, but it didn’t shatter completely. At that moment, an idea sparked in my mind. I decided to charge at Zenita again. The distance between us had narrowed significantly.

I could feel the remaining light balls closing in on me. As they approached, I activated my light-speed attack ability once more. Everything around me froze once again, but I and the light balls continued moving rapidly. The gap between us was almost closed.

Just as the balls were about to strike me, I suddenly jumped into the air. The light balls hit Zenita's barrier. The collision caused everything to return to normal speed. The barrier had taken significant damage but hadn’t been destroyed completely. However, Zenita’s light balls were gone. I had hit her with her own weapon.

Before Zenita could react, I activated my light-speed attack ability once again. When I struck her barrier with a powerful blow, it shattered completely.

Zenita leaned back slightly, looking somewhat worried. With her barrier gone, she was left vulnerable. I wanted to take advantage of this opportunity. I charged at her once more, and with each step I took, I could see the fear deepening in her eyes. Zenita had completely lost her composure.

"Torna–"

"Holy Light Ball!" I yelled, launching the light orb straight at Zenita's mouth. The orb didn’t do much damage, but it stopped her from casting her spell. The panic in her expression gave me the perfect opening, allowing me to strike just in time.

Zenita hesitated for a moment, unsure of what to do, which was the perfect opportunity for me. I struck her with my shield, landing a powerful blow, and immediately activated the "Shield Burst!" spell. The blast sent Zenita flying about ten meters back.

"We're witnessing an incredible battle, dear viewers! Shinya used Zenita's light balls against her, then interrupted Zenita-sama's spell and made a powerful move with his shield!" the announcer shouted. Meanwhile, the paladins were cheering for me, their voices filled with excitement.

Not giving Zenita a chance to get up, I quickly advanced toward her. With every step I took, I leaped into the air and directed my sword at her, aiming to land the final blow.

"Ice Blizzard!" Zenita shouted, sending a blizzard toward me as a last-ditch effort. Suddenly, everything around me was covered in ice. Fortunately, the ice wasn’t too strong. Using some of my strength, I shattered the ice and emerged from the frozen trap.

This gave Zenita enough time to escape. Using a wind spell, she distanced herself from me.

"Ah, come on, Zenita. Stop running from me. Otherwise, this battle might go on forever," I said, my tone mocking as I caught my breath. The constant attacks had been draining me.

"Ah, yes. But don't worry, this battle is about to end," she replied, and began casting another spell.

"Water Cloning!"

As Zenita cast the spell, a sparkling wave appeared around her, and droplets of water began swirling in the air. Each droplet formed hundreds of identical copies of Zenita, all radiating her unique energy.

"Unbelievable, dear viewers! The Water Cloning skill is so rare that only the Water Fairy Queen and a select few mages are able to perform it. Zenita-sama is one of them! Ladies and gentlemen, there's no need to worry about only one Zenita-sama anymore!" The announcer’s humorous tone sent the crowd into laughter.

Damn it! I can barely handle one Zenita, and now I have to deal with a hundred of them, I thought to myself.

All the clones rushed at me, their numbers overwhelming. Some of them wielded swords made of fire, earth, and ice elements, charging toward me. Others were preparing to unleash their spells. The arena was filled with the sound of their voices, and the air was thick with chaos.

"Shinya!"

"Shinya!"

"Shinya, give me a kiss!"

"I love you, Shinya!"

"Come to Zenita, Shinya!"

"My dear Shinya!"

"Shinya-kun!"

"Shinya!"

"Shinya!"

The chorus of admiration echoed around me. Each clone's call had turned into an enticing and distracting symphony.

"I just need to defeat ninety-nine of Zenita's clones, and then I’ll face the real Zenita," I said with confidence. The first Zenita clone attacked me with a sword made of fire. After successfully deflecting the strike with my shield, I thrust my sword into her. I expected her to vanish, but to my surprise, she instantly regenerated and landed a brutal punch that rattled my skull.

"Hahaha, do you think you can easily defeat the clones?" all the clones mocked. Their laughter echoed around me.

Suddenly, about ten of Zenita’s clones leaped at me and pinned me down with their weight. Their soft, smooth skin pressed against me, and for a moment, despite the threat of being crushed under their weight, I strangely found the sensation oddly pleasant.

"Ah, it seems Shinya has some fans!" the announcer joked, prompting another round of laughter from the crowd.

"Holy Light Ball!"

"Holy Light Ball!"

"Holy Light Ball!"

"Holy Light Ball!"

"Holy Light Ball!

...

I launched Holy Light Balls at every Zenita clone leaping toward me. As they briefly vanished, I quickly evaded them. Afterward, the clones hit by the light balls returned to their original forms.

"Zenita, I really like this skill of yours," I said, my voice filled with charm. "I’d love to play hide and seek with all of you one day."

"Ah, Shinya-kun, it’s a promise," they all responded in unison, their voices creating an unforgettable echo in the arena. "Let’s finish this, then we can play hide and seek." With that, the clone army charged at me.

Lost in thought, I began planning how to defeat the clones and find the real Zenita. My gaze shifted toward the spectators—Fidelis, Eleanor, Felicia, and Mira. Everyone except Fidelis looked worried. Fidelis, however, had a calm air of confidence about him, as if he were waiting for this moment.

Suddenly, my memories resurfaced—what Fidelis had whispered to me when he was in my room.

Zenita will use her ultimate skill, Water Cloning. Though incredibly powerful, it has a catch. Zenita creates a barrier around her original body. It's a strong barrier, but it’s difficult to detect. You need to focus and search for the hidden barrier that marks the real Zenita.

I needed to sharpen my instincts and focus on the energy around me, searching for the subtle barrier that would identify the true Zenita among the clones. Detecting her in the sea of identical clones would be challenging, but I knew that if I could identify the real Zenita, I would have to reduce their numbers. The solution was clear; there was only one option left. Since the clones were manifestations of magic, using the Divine Punishment spell would likely incapacitate them. It was a gamble, but I was ready to take the risk.

As one of the clones lunged at me, I thrust my sword into her. My blade pierced her with precision. "Ah, I knew this wouldn’t work—"

"Divine Punishment!" I interrupted, shouting the spell.

The moment the words left my lips, I saw the horror tremble on the clone’s face. As expected, she disappeared in a burst of light. A rush of victory filled me; I had finally taken one down. My determination to find the real Zenita only grew stronger.

When the first clone fell, an adrenaline wave surged within me. I knew I had to keep this momentum. With unwavering determination, I swung my sword at the next clone. The instant she vanished in a flash of light, a renewed sense of confidence washed over me.

But the attack wasn’t over yet. The clones surged forward, their faces now serious. Some of them pointed weapons made of elements at me and started charging. One clone with a fire sword lunged at me; as she swung her weapon, flames scorched the air, but I dodged just in time—the heat didn’t touch my skin. I quickly countered, thrusting my sword into her, and she vanished.

At the same moment, another clone created an ice ball and hurled it at me with a fierce shout. I managed to block it with my shield, but the impact left my arm covered in ice. I swung my sword again, knocking that clone to the ground. Each successful strike filled me with waves of satisfaction, but I knew I had to stay focused.

"We're witnessing a magnificent battle, dear viewers! Shinya has started taking down the clones," the announcer said.

As the paladins roared, the arena buzzed with excitement; their cheers blended with the clash of magic and steel. "Shinya! Shinya! Shinya! Shinya!" they shouted, their voices a powerful wave of encouragement that lifted my spirits. With every clone I defeated, their cheers grew louder, urging me to fight harder. I could feel the eyes of my friends watching me, their support bolstering my resolve.

Feeling the thrilling urgency of the battle, I continued cutting through the clone ranks. The air crackled with magic, and the ground trembled under the weight of the ongoing duel. As I spun and slashed, my sword carving a path through watery illusions, I felt like I was part of a chaotic yet beautiful dance. With each swing, my resolve grew stronger.

After nearly half an hour of fighting, I had destroyed most of the clones. Only about fifteen remained. They were waiting now, no longer charging directly.

The remaining clones exchanged worried glances, their expressions shifting from confidence to uncertainty. I could feel my energy waning and exhaustion setting in, but giving up wasn’t an option. I closed my eyes, centering myself, and focused on the ebb and flow of mana surrounding the battlefield. Each clone was emitting magic, but one had a different aura.

I heightened my concentration and focused on that unique aura. It resembled the others, but I could sense a subtle difference. My eyes snapped open, and I locked onto a clone whose gaze was filled with fear. "I found you!" I shouted, adrenaline coursing through my veins as I charged toward her.

The remaining clones desperately formed a defensive wall to protect the original. But I gathered my strength and pushed forward with my shield, breaking through their defenses. Finally, I stood before the real Zenita. Her face was pale, her eyes wide with terror. Victory was within my grasp. I swung my sword, ready to deliver the final blow.

But just before my strike landed, she grinned. "Did you really think I was the original?" she mocked. I froze, shock flooding through me. "What?"

"I knew Fidelis would warn you about my weakness—he had me defeated this way. So instead of placing a barrier around myself, I had a clone place a barrier to deceive you," the real Zenita’s voice came from behind me.

A wave of shock surged through me, and the crowd seemed to hold their breath in astonishment. "Now, why don’t you look at your back?" the real Zenita said, amusement dripping from her tone.

When I turned, the remaining clones had already raised their hands, each one surrounded by a massive earth construct. "Now, dodge this! Golem Punch!" they shouted in unison, their voices echoing like thunder.

As their fists struck me, the ground shook, and an overwhelming force sent me flying through the air. I felt my body slam into the hard ground; the impact rattled every bone in my body. My armor crumpled under the blow, and my helmet flew off, leaving my head exposed. Pain shot through my body like lightning, and my vision blurred into a haze.

I struggled to get up, but the weight of my injuries was crushing. Every breath felt like a monumental effort, and darkness began encroaching on my consciousness. I fought to stay awake, but it seemed like a lost battle. Finally, I succumbed to the darkness, closing my eyes.

When I opened my eyes, I found myself in a place that felt like hell—because that’s exactly what it was. Crimson flames were dancing around me, threateningly lighting up the darkness with an unnatural glow. Strangely, I couldn’t feel the heat; instead, there was an eerie coldness in the air that heightened the unease.

"Shinya," a deep voice echoed through the flames, sending a chill down my spine. I came face to face with a massive face made of fire. Its eyes glowed like molten lava.

"Who are you? Where am I?" I asked, panic rising inside me. If I was dead, I would end up in nothingness, trapped in the grip of endless darkness.

"We’re inside your mind, Shinya," the fiery figure replied, its voice booming like thunder. "You were fighting, but you took a heavy blow."

"Fighting! I need to go back; I can’t lose!" I begged desperately.

"Don’t worry, Shinya. Time moves very slowly here. When you wake, only a few seconds will have passed," it said. I felt a little relief wash over me.

"Then who are you?" I asked, despite the terror that surrounded me, my curiosity getting the best of me.

"I have many names: The Betrayed, The Ignored, The Deceived,The Forgotten. I am... The Forsaken!" As the words spilled from the fire-made mouth, the ground beneath me trembled. The air grew heavy with its presence; a low rumble echoed, as if the world itself was recoiling in fear. The flames roared higher, and the name reverberated like thunder. The weight of its words pressed down on me, my heart pounding in my chest. The power behind that name shook me to my core.

"Wait a minute! The Forsaken... Are you like the Fury of The Forsaken?" I asked, my mind overflowing with recognition.

"Yes, Shinya. I feed on pain, anger, and hatred. I give power to those who suffer, who rage, and who hate," it answered, the flames around it flickering as if responding to its words.

"Was that voice I’ve been hearing in my head whenever I got angry... was that yours?" I asked.

"Yes, Shinya. That voice was mine. I’m here now to give you my true power," said Forsaken.

"But Victus died because of you!" I protested.

"Victus did not have the will to carry my power. If you seek power, you must learn to control it. Otherwise, it will consume you," the voice explained without changing tone. "Shinya, you have the will to handle my power."

"I don’t want to kill everyone in the end!" I shouted, distressed. I didn’t want to hurt my loved ones. "But I also want to be strong!" Tears began to fall from my eyes. I wanted the strength to protect my loved ones; the weight of that desire pressed heavily on my chest.

"Then accept my power. As long as you can control it, you will protect those you care about," The Forsaken said, as if reading my thoughts.

I was torn. This felt like a high-risk gamble. My end could be like Victus’s. But if I hesitated and someone I loved suffered because of it, I wouldn’t be able to forgive myself. I had to be strong, but I also had to be careful how I used that strength.

"Okay, The Forsaken. Give me your power!" I shouted, determination flaring within me.

"As you wish, Shinya," it laughed, its voice echoing all around me.

With that, I opened my eyes and found myself back in the arena.

"It seems that Shinya has fainted. So, the winner is—"

"Zenita!" I shouted, my voice echoing through the arena. The atmosphere immediately fell silent; all eyes were on me. As I stood up, I felt a deep, primal anger coursing through my veins. I knew something deep within me had awakened.

My body was emanating a powerful red aura, filling me with raw energy that vibrated in harmony with my rage. The air around me was charged with an electrical tension, as if it was about to explode. As my power grew, my heart pounded faster, every nerve in my body was burning. I could feel it—the strength that had once been a distant dream was now a fierce, undeniable reality.

My eyes glowed with a supernatural red light, reflecting the anger burning inside me. The world around me changed; everything was bathed in shades of crimson. The ground beneath me seemed alive, vibrating with energy that resonated with my newfound strength.

I could feel the essence of my power—a wild, untamed storm—spinning inside me, urging me to release it. I was no longer the Shinya who had fought just moments ago; I was the bearer of overwhelming power, the harbinger of chaos.

Zenita’s expression shifted from confident to fearful as she witnessed the transformation before her. Beads of sweat formed on her forehead, and I could feel her hesitation. I, on the other hand, was filled with the potential for destruction. My heart thundered in my chest; each beat reminded me of the power at my fingertips, the power to protect or annihilate.

When I locked eyes with her, the world disappeared, leaving only the intense glow of my aura and the fiery rage burning in my heart. I was ready to unleash my anger, and nothing could stand in my way.

"Now I’m really pissed off!" I roared at her, my voice reverberating with a newfound intensity. My red aura flickered and surged like a living being as I took a step forward.

The clones threw Golem Punches at me, but I stood my ground. This time, the blows couldn’t even cause damage; it was as if I had become an unstoppable force. I could feel the raw power pulsing through my veins; with every punch I took, my anger flared higher.

"I can’t believe my eyes, dear viewers! Look at the incredible aura Shinya is emitting!" the announcer yelled, his voice filled with awe. The paladins around me erupted in cheers, their excitement echoing through the arena. But I didn’t hear them; I was focused on one thing—Zenita.

I swung my fist at lightning speed and hit a clone. The impact created a shockwave that rippled through the air. The clone vanished instantly. I didn’t even need my sword; I was the raw force nature had unleashed.

With ruthless determination, I began to destroy the remaining clones one by one. My fists moved with a speed and power I had never known before. Each strike was decisive and devastating; as I moved closer to my ultimate target, nothing was left in my wake.

Once the last clone vanished, I turned my glowing, red eyes toward the real Zenita. The crowd fell silent again. I could feel her fear, and that only fueled the fire inside me, igniting my desire to prove my strength.

Zenita, trying to mask her fear, said, "Even if you have the Fury of Forsaken, it won’t be enough to defeat me."

She was trying to appear confident, but I knew she was scared. She cast another spell.

"Divine Punch!"

After Zenita cast her spell, a dazzling yellow light illuminated the sky, and a portal opened above us. From it emerged a colossal celestial fist, hurtling toward me with incredible speed. Clenching my teeth, I countered it with my own fist. The impact created a massive shockwave that rippled across the area, cracking the protective barrier.

The announcer’s panicked voice echoed, "All spectators who can cast barrier spells, please assist immediately!" Those capable of magic acted swiftly, reinforcing the barrier.

I roared loudly, straining against the overwhelming force of the divine fist. Its power was so immense that I slid nearly twenty meters back, my feet barely holding onto the ground beneath me.

More power, I need more power.

This thought only fueled the fury within me. I felt myself teetering on the edge of madness, my logic slipping away. I had become the embodiment of pure rage. Summoning every ounce of strength I had, I used my left hand to strike the colossal fist. At the moment of impact, an enormous wave of energy erupted, shattering the divine fist into fragments that scattered through the air.

The crowd collectively gasped in astonishment, and I could sense Zenita's shock mirrored in their expressions. But I wasn’t done; the fury within me still boiled.

"Light Speed Rush!" I yelled, and time seemed to freeze around me once again. With my fist, I pierced through the barrier Zenita had created and delivered a powerful blow to her stomach. The force of the strike was greater than anything I had unleashed before. Blood spewed from her mouth as she was sent flying backward. I saw her struggling to stand, but my rage hadn’t subsided. I had to finish this.

Grabbing my weapon and shield, I raised them both high. "Lux Divina! Aegis Solis! Obey my command and merge as one!" As I called forth the spell, my sword and shield transformed into a powerful weapon resembling the firearms of my old world. I aimed the weapon directly at Zenita, who was hastily trying to create another barrier.

Her eyes held a mix of fear and anticipation, an expression that told me she had accepted defeat but still yearned to experience the full force of my final blow.

Channeling all my magical energy into the weapon, I watched as my rage fused with the shimmering power, creating a stunning blend of red and yellow. I looked at Zenita, who was smiling, her eyes reflecting a disturbing mixture of excitement and expectation.

"Now dodge this, you bitch! Sword-o-Shield!" I shouted, firing the weapon. A brilliant beam of red and yellow light shot toward her. The ensuing explosion was deafening, sending shockwaves that shattered the arena’s barrier.

As the dust settled, I saw Zenita lying on the ground. A chilling fear gripped my heart. All my fury dissipated in an instant, replaced by dread.

"Zenita!" I cried out, rushing toward her. Just minutes ago, I had felt an immense rage against her, but now the thought of harming her filled me with horror.

Kneeling beside her, I quickly checked for signs of life. When I felt her pulse, relief washed over me. Without hesitation, I cast my strongest healing spell.

"The winner is Shinya Kage!" the announcer declared, his voice brimming with excitement. The paladins roared in unison, their cheers echoing through the arena. But my focus was entirely on Zenita, who slowly opened her eyes.

"Shinya," she whispered, her voice fragile but warm.

"I’m sorry," I said, tears streaming down my face. A wave of guilt crashed over me, pulling me down like a heavy tide.

Zenita raised her hand to my face, her touch gentle and reassuring. "It’s okay. I enjoyed this fight. It was the best fight I’ve ever had," she said, her smile piercing through the darkness surrounding me.

I returned her smile, but just then, a wave of dizziness hit me, and everything plunged into darkness.

to be continued...