Ivo straightened up, taking a moment to catch his breath before turning to face Boko and Fallow, his confidence undiminished. Placing one hand on his forehead with an exaggerated flourish, he leaned back, his voice full of mock grandeur. "Remember this day, Boko. You're facing Ivo 'The Magnificent' Gadall! Your reign of cruelty ends here!"

Boko glared, his anger red-hot, fists clenched as he seethed. "You little brat—do you have any idea who I am? I've crushed men twice your size without breaking a sweat."

Ivo just shrugged, grinning. "Well, that's a shame for you. Because this time, you're dealing with me. And I promise, Boko, you're not walking away from this one unscathed."

Fallow stepped forward, his own expression growing dark as he took up a stance beside Boko. "Think we're just going to let you walk out of here after that? You're in over your heads, kids."

Fuma, unfazed, leaned casually against Ivo's shoulder, still smirking. "Guess we'll have to show you how wrong you are." He met Ivo's gaze, nodding once as they prepared to face the two thugs.

As both sides prepared for the next round, suddenly, a taunting voice broke through the silence.

"Hey, Magnificent boy! One-eyed freak!" Scuttle's voice rang out, sharp and mocking. He stepped forward, dragging a struggling figure in front of him—a young woman with dark skin and hair twisted into noodle-like locks. She was held firmly in his grip, his thin, crooked mustache twitching with amusement as he looked at Ivo and Fuma.

"Make a single move, and I'll snap her neck!" Scuttle threatened, squeezing her shoulder hard, causing her to wince.

Ivo's face dropped, concern flashing in his eyes as he clenched his fists. "Zuri!" he shouted, his voice laced with worry.

Zuri tried to twist out of Scuttle's hold, her voice coming out strained. "Sorry, Captain," she called out, breathing heavily. "I couldn't complete the task."

Boko smirked at this, crossing his massive arms. "Task?" he repeated, amusement in his voice.

"Yes, boss," Scuttle said proudly. "She tried to sneak into the mansion while these two caused a scene. Thought they could fool us with this little diversion."

"Well, well," Boko chuckled darkly, his laugh echoing through the wrecked room. "Guess they forgot who runs this place."

Despite her struggles, Zuri couldn't break free from Scuttle's tight grip. "Let me go, you slimy coward!" she hissed, kicking her legs in frustration.

"Let her go, you damn cowards! Hiding behind a girl?" Ivo shouted, anger flaring in his voice.

Boko raised a finger, wagging it at Ivo with a mocking grin. "Oh, I'll let her go—right after you surrender, boy. And if you don't... well, let's just say she'll pay for your little 'strategy.'"

Zuri shot Ivo a determined look, subtly glancing at him for a signal, though her face was lined with frustration. Seeing her intent, Ivo met her gaze, and with the smallest nod, he gave her the go-ahead. She gritted her teeth, gathering her strength, and then—in one swift motion—she drove her foot upward, landing a solid hit on Scuttle's groin.

"Argh!" Scuttle cried out, doubling over in pain, his grip loosening just enough for Zuri to break free. She darted out of his reach, rolling clear of him as he stumbled back.

Ivo wasted no time. He bent down, touching the ground, and in an instant, several rocks shot up from the ground, gathering around him. With a flick of his wrist, he sent them flying toward Scuttle, who, still reeling, could only watch as the stones hit him in quick succession.

The rocks didn't stop there—they changed direction mid-air, spinning toward Boko and Fallow. Fallow reacted quickly, stepping forward and swiping his sword through the air, deflecting the incoming stones with sharp, precise strikes.

Boko's laughter turned into a growl as he threw Scuttle a venomous glare. "You useless snake! Can't even hold onto one girl!"

Ignoring his humiliated gang member, Boko turned his gaze on Ivo and Fuma, his eyes blazing with anger. With a roar, he charged, each step shaking the ground. His massive body barreled straight toward Ivo, fists ready to crush anything in his way.

Ivo braced himself, but before Boko could reach him, Fuma stepped in, thrusting his hand forward. "Pneuma Dragon!" he shouted, his voice ringing with power as a golden, dragon-like figure materialized in front of him. It shimmered in the air, swirling around Fuma's arm before lunging forward, slamming into Boko and halting his advance.

Boko staggered, caught off guard by the sheer force of the ethereal dragon. His teeth clenched as he fought against it, his powerful arms swinging as he tried to disperse the energy. Just as he was about to break free, Fallow stepped forward, his sword raised, preparing to slice through the dragon's form.

But before he could strike, Zuri leaped in front of him, her arms raised, both hands adorned with metal rings that glinted in the faint light. "Not so fast!" she challenged, her stance solid and unyielding.

Fallow's sword came down with a fierce, slicing arc, clashing against Zuri's rings. Sparks flew as the metal clanged, the force of his blow reverberating through her arms. Zuri gritted her teeth, holding her ground, determined to keep Fallow from reaching her friends.

"You're brave," Fallow sneered, pressing his weight down on her, "but bravery alone won't save you."

Zuri forced herself to smirk, even as her arms trembled from the force of his sword. "Yap-Yap, Old bag."

Meanwhile, Ivo and Fuma were locked in their own battle with Boko. Fuma sent another wave of energy dragon toward Boko, trying to keep him at bay, but Boko's sheer strength was relentless. He swung his fists at them, each blow powerful enough to send shockwaves rippling through the air. Charging forward, Boko's heavy steps cracking the ground beneath him, Ivo raised his hand, focusing on the rocks scattered around. With a flick of his wrist, he sent a barrage of jagged stones hurtling toward Boko.

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Boko dodged and blocked the first few, but one rock grazed his shoulder, another hitting his side. He grunted, glaring at Ivo. "That all you got, kid?"

Ivo smirked and flung more rocks, aiming to wear Boko down. A well-aimed stone struck Boko's temple, leaving a small cut. "You're really asking for it now!" Boko roared, lunging forward with a massive fist.

Ivo barely dodged, sending rocks flying again. One hit Boko's knee, making him stumble, but he quickly steadied himself, his grin growing more menacing. "You think pebbles are gonna stop me?" he mocked, shaking off the dust.

As Boko lunged, Ivo dodged to the side, sending rocks hurtling toward Boko's chest. Some hit their mark, but Boko barely flinched, his grin widening with every impact. With each step, Boko closed in, shrugging off the stones as if they were nothing. Ivo exchanged a quick, worried glance with Fuma, who was also panting from exertion. Boko's raw strength was relentless, and even with their combined efforts, it felt like fighting a wall that kept charging forward.

After several minutes of this intense struggle, Ivo noticed the exhaustion etched on Fuma and Zuri's face and his own muscles beginning to tire. Realizing they were outmatched, he clenched his jaw and called out, "We need to fall back. Now!"

Boko's laughter echoed through the chaos. "Running already, rat? I'm not letting you get away at all!"

With Boko charging at them, Ivo used his control over the rocks, quickly gathering a series of stones beneath his feet to propel himself forward, his speed increasing as he made his escape. Fuma followed suit, his dragon swirling around him as he moved to protect Zuri. But just as they neared the edge of the battlefield, Fallow leaped toward them, his sword flashing as he aimed for Zuri.

Zuri, confident her rings would protect her, raised her arms, ready to deflect the blow. But Fallow's smirk sent a chill down her spine; his sword sliced through her rings, cutting cleanly through the metal. She barely managed to pull back in time, the blade grazing her arm and leaving a deep cut. Blood streamed down her hand, staining her sleeve as pain shot through her.

"Zuri!" Fuma shouted, quickly releasing his Pneuma Dragon to pull her toward him, shielding her with his energy as he dragged her back from Fallow's reach.

Boko watched them retreat, his chest heaving, his anger still simmering. He clenched his fists, the ground beneath him cracking under the pressure of his grip. Fallow moved to follow, his sword gleaming with intent, but Boko raised a hand, stopping him.

"Let them go," he growled, his voice low and menacing. "We have more important matters to deal with. And those villagers... they'll pay for this stunt."

Turning to Scuttle, who was still clutching his bruised groin on the ground, Boko's voice was a dark snarl. "Take this trash to the dungeon. And make sure every last one of those prisoner villagers and guild members are gathered at the village ground by tomorrow morning."

As Ivo helped Zuri limp forward, his mind was spinning from the beating he'd barely escaped. He glanced at Zuri, her hand still dripping blood and staining the ground beneath her. Fuma was walking beside her, one arm steadying her shoulder and keeping her on her feet. They moved slowly, Zuri's breathing ragged, but her determined expression showed no sign of stopping.

They finally approached the inn, and noticed a gathered crowd murmuring outside the inn. Ivo's gaze drifted to the group, and then he saw him—a familiar figure with wild maroon hair. That chaotic hair, that face. It was him.

"Asper?" Ivo muttered, his voice barely above a breath, but it held a mix of confusion and annoyance.

Asper's gaze locked onto Ivo, his brows knitting with a sudden intensity. Recognition turned to rage, and he clenched his fists tightly.

Without a second thought, both of them charged forward, each step heavier and more resolute. The air around them grew tense, their fists pulled back, ready to collide with everything they had.

Just as their fists were inches from landing, a sudden gust swept through the air, faster than either could register. Fuma's hand clamped onto Asper's forearm, halting the punch with a firm grip. Zenji caught Ivo's wrist, his cold gaze sharp enough to stop Ivo in his tracks.

Fuma's eyes sharp and unwavering looked right into Asper's eyes, holding his gaze. "This isn't the time nor the place, don't you think so?"

On the other side, "This is reckless, even for you," Zenji stated flatly, his voice quiet but firm. "Now's not the time to pick pointless fights."

Asper tried to pull his arm free, but Fuma's grip was unyielding. "Let me go. This has been a long time coming!", Asper said with gritted teeth.

"But look at my friend here," Fuma replied nodding towards Zuri, his gaze softening slightly, but his grip stayed firm. "Don't you think this could wait?"

Asper looked at Zuri's bandaged, blood-soaked hand, his expression faltering for a moment. A deep breath later, he relaxed his stance, though his eyes still burned as he glanced back at Ivo. "Fine. But I thought I made myself clear, Ivo—I told you not to show your face around me again."

Zenji released Ivo's wrist slowly, his gaze unflinching.

Ivo rolled his eyes, crossing his arms as he replied, "I could say the same to you, Asper. We've got nothing left to talk about."

"Oh, I don't know. Seems like you're good at making trouble, stirring things up wherever you go," Asper sneered. "Funny how one monster thinks he can save others from another."

Ivo's jaw tightened. "You think you're any better, Asper? Traitor running around with new friends... Wonder if they know the real you." he spat, the words laced with venom. "Ever wonder if they know what you're capable of? I hope you don't betray them too."

Asper's fists clenched, but he kept his voice steady, though a note of bitterness crept in. "At least I don't pretend to be something I'm not. You don't deserve to act like some hero, Ivo, because we both know what you are."

Ivo scoffed, his eyes narrowing. "A little rich, coming from the guy who thinks he still deserves friends." He tilted his head, a mocking smile on his face. "But hey, why don't you go on pretending? Just don't let it slip who you really are, Asper."

Asper clenched his fists, barely containing his frustration. He glanced at Nobu, his voice tight. "I'd have gladly helped you out with these Scarhead scum, Nobu. But I can't do this with him around." His tone softened slightly as he added, "Not with this... fraud."

Nobu sighed, looking between the two of them with a heavy, helpless expression. "I understand, Asper. I just hoped..." He trailed off, knowing now that they were like oil and water—never meant to mix.

Asper turned, walking away with Zenji and Rio following close behind. Ivo watched, fists clenched the street was still tense with the weight of words unsaid, it was Zuri's faint voice that broke the silence.

"I-Ivo..." She swayed unsteadily, and before anyone could react, she collapsed.

"Zuri!" Ivo cried, rushing to her side.

He barely caught her as she collapsed, blood staining the ground. Mira, the nun, hurried forward, her voice urgent. "Quickly, bring her inside. We need to stop the bleeding."