The final reinforcement was Kono Ichikawa, who landed with a thud. As they walked through the chaos of the battlefield, Rai grinned. "So, are we going to help them, or are we content to watch the fun?"

Valdis grinned back. "It doesn't matter how many enemies we face. We'll annihilate them all."

Kono's expression turned serious. "We can't afford distractions. This is a crucial battle. Stay focused, find their weaknesses. Our failure could have dire consequences."

"Alright!" they chorused, their voices filled with determination.

The battle raged on, intensified by the arrival of additional Creature Hunters: Chou Yu, Hiro Segyuu, and Yonabi Tsukiko. Though their direct contributions were limited, their presence provided invaluable support.

As Caitrin was about to be overwhelmed, Chou Yu burst through the fray, delivering a powerful kick that sent a Dragon crashing to the ground.

Caitrin's eyes widened in fear. "That was close!"

Meanwhile, Hiro Segyuu arrived just in time to aid Lydia in defeating an enemy. He unleashed a torrent of ravens, their eerie cries and menacing presence stunning the foe. Seizing the opportunity, Lydia struck decisively, dispatching her opponent. She thanked Hiro, and they continued their fight.

The true battle, however, was yet to come. As the reinforcements rallied and fought, Nijimura Rai and Bionura Neo finally confronted each other.

Rai grinned, a hint of amusement in her eyes. "So you're one of those idiots called an 'Orwell.'"

Neo bowed his head, a playful smirk on his face. "It pains me to hear you say that. Surely we can discuss this civilly."

Rai scoffed, her sword pointed at his chest. "I don't care about your feelings. I'm here to clean up the mess you made at Faye, and I won't leave until it's done."

"As you wish," Neo replied, his voice laced with a hint of menace. "Then prepare to suffer like the others."

They squared off, their eyes locked in a deadly dance. As they clashed, Rai was surprised to find that her sword had no effect on Neo's arm.

Stolen from its rightful author, this tale is not meant to be on Amazon; report any sightings.

"No effect?" she exclaimed.

Neo smiled. "A hardening spell. I learned it for moments like this."

"Interesting," Rai replied, her tone laced with respect.

She withdrew her sword and lunged, aiming for Neo's head. But Neo countered with a sphere spell, blocking her attack.

"As I said, I learned these spells for-" Neo began, but his words were cut short as Rai slipped her sword through the spell and kicked him in the head, her body turning into a bolt of lightning. She retrieved her sword and smiled. "But you clearly haven't prepared yourself for moments like this. A shame."

Neo's expression darkened. He was clearly annoyed by her actions.

But he smiled, a challenge in his eyes. "Then let the fight be as you wish."

Rai raised an eyebrow. "As I wish? You're a strange one, aren't you?"

Rai watched Neo, a smirk playing on her lips. "He's definitely hiding something behind that smile. But I'll try one of my tactics anyway."

After a tense pause, Rai attacked, circling behind Neo and aiming for a blow to the back of his head. But Neo turned swiftly, striking her in the stomach. Surprised by his agility, Rai stumbled backward.

"He's fast," she muttered, rubbing her stomach.

Neo smiled. "I may not understand unique fighting styles, but I'm aware of my body's capabilities. And I won't hesitate to use them."

Rai nodded, her mind racing. "He's becoming cocky. But he must have a secret talent. I need to find a way to outmaneuver him or find an opening."

They resumed their duel, their movements a blur. Rai attacked, but Neo blocked, their blades clashing with sparks flying. They pushed and pulled, their bodies moving with incredible speed. Neither showed mercy, their determination unwavering.

Rai grew frustrated. "He's making no mistakes. What kind of creature is he?"

Then, an idea struck her. "Oh, I haven't used this in a while. Maybe this knucklehead will fall for it. I have no other choice."

Rai stood still, a challenge in her eyes. "Let's see who's faster."

Neo grinned. "That sounds like fun."

As they prepared to attack, Rai feigned an opening, drawing Neo in. Neo, believing he had the advantage, lunged. But Rai vanished, reappearing behind him.

"Not fast enough!" Neo shouted, turning to face her. But she was gone again.

"Where is she?" Neo exclaimed, looking around.

Rai emerged from the shadows, her sword at his throat. "I heard your kind dies when decapitated. That would be interesting."

Neo struggled to break free, his eyes filled with desperation. He spread his wings, preparing to fly.

Rai shouted, "Hey! What are you doing?"

Before she could stop him, Neo took flight, the wind from his wings propelling Rai backward. Luckily, she managed to slow her descent by plunging her sword into the ice.

Neo landed safely, his white tuxedo stained with blood. He wiped away the blood with a napkin. "That was an unexpected attack. Faster and stronger than I anticipated."

Rai smirked. "If you can't block attacks like that, I've overestimated you. I was saving my special attacks."

"Special attacks?" Neo asked, intrigued.

"Of course! What did you expect from the fastest Creature Hunter in the world?"

Neo assumed a fighting stance, his eyes filled with excitement. "Then I'd like to experience them."

"Absolutely," Rai replied. "This is just the beginning."