Jack took a deep breath and nodded. "You know what, old man Marcus? I think you’re right. My view of those I fought wasn’t wide enough. I was stuck on what I thought was right and wrong. But the world doesn’t revolve around me—it’s different for everyone."

Marcus smiled, seeing Jack’s realization. "Yes, Jack, you understand now. And since you’re open to it, let me offer you some advice.”

“Please, go ahead,” Jack urged.

Marcus leaned forward. "Why not take some time to meet people from different walks of life? Travel, get to know others—their struggles, dreams, and choices. The more people you meet, the more you’ll understand the world."

Jack thought about it, nodding slowly. "Your advice is definitely tempting, old man Marcus. But… I feel like my path isn’t just about understanding others. I have unfinished goals. I need to find the man who killed my father, go back home, and I have this feeling—a sense that a friend is out there, looking for me. Yet, no matter how much I want to go back, being here with everyone… it’s made some truly wonderful memories. I need more time to figure things out."

Marcus stood up, his eyes kind but wise. "Sometimes, Jack, in order to find what you’re looking for, you have to let go of the compass. Destiny may be waiting for you to let go, to lead you to where you need to be all along."

Jack watched him, taking in the words. "I think you’re right," he replied quietly.

As Marcus turned to walk away, he added with a chuckle, “I might as well say goodbye to everyone before I have to head back.”

Jack grinned. "Need help finding your way there?" he joked.

The old man laughed. "After working here for over 30 years? I think I know this place better than you, Jack." And with that, he made his way down the winding paths.

Alone under the night sky, Jack looked up, feeling a mix of clarity and uncertainty. He spoke softly, almost as if hoping for an answer. "Steller, what is your purpose? Why am I here, and why are you with me? Maybe Marcus is right; maybe destiny has its own plan for me. And if that’s true... maybe I just need to trust in it."

As dawn broke, the Coliseum filled with an electric buzz, every inch of seating packed with people eager to witness the clash of the Royal Army’s two greatest commanders: Menes and Henu Safir. This was no ordinary duel—it was a battle of legends, a spectacle of raw power and skill. Their names alone stirred the crowd into a feverish cheer that echoed through the stone arena, the anticipation climbing with every second.

In the royal box, Queen Nefetari and Pharaoh Taharqa watched as the crowd roared. The Pharaoh leaned over and said, "Your kingdom is fortunate to have warriors like Menes and Henu. Both are some of the strongest in all our lands. Who do you think will come out on top?"

Nefetari took a sip of wine, her eyes narrowed thoughtfully. “Henu is incredibly strong,” she replied, “but I doubt he’ll go all out in this fight.”

Pharaoh Taharqa raised an eyebrow. “Why is that?”

Nefetari’s gaze shifted, growing serious. “Because Henu knows something no one else does. The truth about Menes and his power. If Menes truly unleashes it…” She paused, letting the words linger. “There will be hell to pay.”

The Pharaoh’s question died on his lips, and he turned his eyes back to the arena, absorbing her ominous warning.

Old Man Jules stepped forward, his voice booming over the crowd’s din. “Today’s duel features two of the finest warriors from Thebes! Commander Henu Safir and Commander Menes of the Royal Army! They will fight until one is left standing. Let the battle begin!”

The heavy gates creaked open, and Menes and Henu stepped onto the sands, exchanging grins as they walked toward each other.

“Damn, Menes,” Henu chuckled, cracking his knuckles, “it’s been way too long since we got to spar like this.”

Menes returned his smile. “Well, if you didn’t keep disappearing every few months on some expedition, we’d have more chances to fight.”

Henu laughed, rolling his shoulders. “Maybe, but I’m still the champ from the bread-eating contest. Remember?”

Menes scoffed. “You only won because I wasn’t hungry that day! And besides, you only beat me by two loaves before passing out.”

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With a glint in his eyes, Henu punched his fists together. “Alright, Menes. Let’s show them how it’s done, yeah?”

Menes nodded, gripping his sword tighter. “Indeed, we shall.”

Around the arena, onlookers were riveted. Jack leaned over to Kamil, eyes wide. “This is my first time seeing the two commanders go at it like this.”

“It’s been a while for us too,” Kamil replied. “They haven’t fought like this in a year.”

Ramon grinned. “Who won the last match, again?”

Yune replied, “It was Commander Henu.”

“No way, it was Menes!” Ramon argued, and the two began bickering until Commander Setka silenced them with a smack. “You fools—just watch and be quiet!”

Even Setka, usually calm and composed, had a fire in his eyes as he watched the arena. The other organization leaders sat on the edge of their seats, eager to see what the two commanders would unleash.

Finally, Old Man Jules raised his hand, signaling the start. Menes wasted no time, his voice ringing out as he slashed his sword through the air, “Absolute Slash!” A powerful wind roared from his blade, rushing toward Henu with blinding speed.

Caught off guard, Henu immediately activated his power, shouting, “Wind Rise!” His eyes glowed white as he lifted off the ground, using the winds to propel himself into the air. His Primal Spirit Affinity allowed him to draw strength from nature itself, bending it to his will. Hovering above Menes, Henu shouted, “Tree of Life!” and a massive seed erupted from the earth beneath Menes’ feet, sprouting roots that twisted and lunged toward him.

“Absolute Destruction!” Menes bellowed, and with one sweeping motion, he released a wave of dark energy that obliterated the roots in an instant. Not one to let up, he pushed off the ground with sheer muscle power, leaping high into the sky after Henu. Dark energy wrapped around his sword, forming a massive black whip. With a fierce swing, Menes sliced through the air, creating cracks in the very atmosphere that pulled at Henu like a vacuum.

“Cheap tricks, Menes!” Henu yelled, eyes glinting as he activated another power. “Aura Shield!” A protective layer of energy surrounded him, countering the pull of the void. But Menes was relentless, his dark energy propelling him forward. In a flash, he closed the distance between them, landing a powerful punch to Henu’s jaw, his fist charged with dark energy. “Absolute Destruction!”

The force sent Henu hurtling down, crashing toward the Coliseum wall. Thinking quickly, Henu summoned another massive tree, which grew in his path, absorbing the impact and catching him. In a fluid motion, its roots shot out again, racing toward Menes to entangle him.

Menes, caught slightly off guard, planted his sword into the ground, slowing the roots’ approach but still being driven back.

For a brief moment, there was silence as both commanders steadied themselves. Then, the arena erupted into cheers, louder than ever before.

In the stands, Renjiro watched in awe. “Henu’s power… It’s beyond any chronotex user I’ve seen.”

“And Menes’ mastery of dark energy,” muttered Kairo, biting his nails, “he’s so versatile, he’s mastered every variation of it.”

Suddenly, the ground trembled, and from within the swirling dust, a radiant blue energy emerged, pulsating through the haze like lightning in a storm. Henu Safir stood at the center, his hair floating weightlessly, eyes glowing with an ethereal aura. Each step he took dispersed the dust, revealing the full power of his activated Aura Shield. A smirk tugged at his lips. “Menes, keep watching.”

In a swift motion, Henu leaped into the sky, sword raised high, gathering a fearsome power that crackled around the blade. “May defeat be upon you!” he shouted. Menes steeled himself, grounding his feet as he readied for the impending clash. As Henu descended, their swords drew close, yet even before they touched, the energy surging between them grew intense. A ball of raw power formed in the space between the blades, vibrating with an immense force that cracked the ground, sending shockwaves hurtling toward the stands.

Kamil, Drexel, Setka, and Yune sprang into action, using their powers to shield the spectators from the flying debris. But the impact had sent Menes reeling, his body slamming into the wall behind him. Despite the setback, he stood again, a fierce resolve in his eyes. The two commanders exchanged strikes with relentless fury, each hit echoing through the Coliseum, proving to the crowd that this was a battle of equals.

Then, without warning, Menes took a step back, sheathing his sword with a slow, deliberate movement. Hunching over slightly, he placed one hand on his sword’s hilt, eyes closed, an intense focus settling over him. He murmured a single phrase, his voice low but carrying through the silence that had fallen over the crowd.

“ABSOLUTE END.”

Henu’s eyes widened in shock, a flicker of uncertainty crossing his face. He let out a wry laugh, shaking his head. “Well, well... you’re pulling out that move again? I don’t stand a chance against that. I forfeit. I think I’ve had enough fun for today,” he joked, turning away as his Aura Shield faded, and his hair settled back to normal.

In the crowd, whispers of confusion and awe spread. Kairo muttered to himself, “Absolute End… What kind of attack could make even Henu Safir back down?”

Renjiro, still fixated on the battlefield, leaned toward Ru. “Absolute End… Any clues about it, Ru?”

Ru’s mind raced, a chill running down her spine. “All I know is that it’s real. Something you wouldn’t want to face. It’s like a curse of pure destruction.”

Noya piped up, “Isn’t that what he used against Jack once? I heard it costs him something… his lifespan or something like that. Is it true?”

Setka nodded gravely. “Menes’ Absolute End destroys any life in its path. It’s pure, unbridled destruction, infused with every ounce of hatred and malice in the human heart. But the cost is severe—it takes years off his life each time he uses it.”

Old Man Marcus raised his voice to the crowd, announcing, “Henu Safir has forfeited! Thus, Commander Menes is the victor!” The arena erupted in a mix of cheers and murmurs.

While the crowd celebrated, the leaders of other organizations were left with a haunting question. If Henu Safir himself refused to face Absolute End… just how terrifying was Menes’ ultimate attack?