Jag Roneo: Look at this! Everett’s tryin’ to split ‘em up. Coward’s tactic, if you ask me. Face ‘em head-on if you got the guts!
Bill Ruggles: Aye, Jag, but sometimes you gotta play it smart. Separatin' ‘em might be Everett’s best chance to take ‘em down one by one.
I ducked and weaved through Tyranix's onslaught, looking for an opening. His skill was undeniable, matched only by my… pluck? Grit? Honestly, I did not know what kept me going through all this. I was just too damn foolish and didn’t know when I was overmatched. I just kept going, that is, until I found my moment and struck a blow that staggered him, creating some much-needed breathing room between us.
Meanwhile, Aspirant used their agility to evade Yala's massive swings. They darted in, delivering quick, precise strikes. Each hit seemed futile against her titan-like form, but Aspirant was wearing her down, bit by bit.
Jag Roneo: Yala’s takin’ hits like a champ! But that little spitfire’s wearin’ her down slowly. She better squash ‘em quick.
Bill Ruggles: Aye, it’s like a fox fightin' a giant. Aspirant’s gotta keep movin' and strikin' if they wanna topple that titan.
Our battle was a dance of death and survival, each move critical, each second counting. Tyranix's ferocity matched my resolve, his blades a whirlwind of steel. Yala, in her Titanform, was a juggernaut, but Aspirant's speed and finesse kept her off balance.
The fight raged on, a test of skill, strength, and will. I knew that this battle would shape my destiny in ways I couldn't yet fathom. But one thing was clear – I couldn't afford to hold back. Not against Tyranix. Not here, not now. This time, I would finish what I started. So far Aspirant and I had been holding our own against Yala and Tyranix but I did have one trick up my sleeve. While Yala had used her ultimate Titanform, I had nearly all of my abilities. It was time to bring some pain.
As I contemplated my remaining abilities, perhaps sensing my very thoughts, Tyranix reminded me that he still had one more trick up his sleeve. In a swift motion, amidst the clanging of steel, Tyranix thrust his hand towards the earth. From the ground, ghostly serpents emerged, their spectral forms slithering rapidly towards us. This was a summoning ability in action, aiming to ensnare and distract. Aspirant and I leaped away, barely avoiding their springing trap. The serpents hissed and headed towards me.
Jag Roneo: Ghostly serpents! That’s Tyranix’s ace in the hole! Let’s see Everett and his buddy wriggle outta this one.
Bill Ruggles: Aye, Jag, that’s a nasty surprise. They gotta be quick and clever, or those serpents’ll sink their fangs in.
Engulfed in the chaos of battle, I focused on the serpents conjured by Tyranix. I wielded my Boltfury Slash, cutting through one serpent with a surge of electrified energy. The other two persisted, their strikes sapping my strength. Desperate, I mentally activated my compass tattoo, shifting it to Rainfall Regeneration. The subtle magic began to work, replenishing my stamina and healing my wounds, keeping me in the fight. Well, physically keeping me in, I could feel myself becoming mentally overwhelmed. I needed to get back some momentum.
Meanwhile, Aspirant, with their enhancement-type spellsword class, was turning the tide against Yala. Their sword, glowing with arcane energy, struck with precision, gradually wearing down Yala's titan form. Each blow Aspirant delivered, coupled with their augmented defense, was visibly slowing the giant. Seeing Aspirant doing well was a shot in the arm for me. I knew that if they continued, they promised to help Earth in any way they can. That would have to suffice if I faltered.
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Jag Roneo: That Elf’s got some fancy tricks, but Yala’s holdin’ strong. Look at ‘er, takin’ hits like it’s nothin’!
Bill Ruggles: Aye, but those hits are addin' up. Aspirant’s chippin' away at her. It’s a slow burn, but it’s workin'.
Despite my joy at Aspirant's success, my situation grew dire. Tyranix's serpents proved overwhelming. In a desperate maneuver, I dodged Tyranix's ferocious strike and turned to slam my shield into one serpent's face. Only one left. I lunged towards it, depleting my reserves. A swift feint and a high strike with my sword ended it. As I whirled around, Tyranix was upon me, his weapons descending with lethal intent. He had a desperate gleam in his eye; he would get his revenge.
But then, time seemed to freeze. Tyranix halted, confusion etching his face, a sword protruding from his back. I looked past Tyranix to see Aspirant, having thrown their enchanted blade, standing weaponless at the clearing's edge. Their intervention was both shocking and lifesaving.
Jag Roneo: What the—Aspirant’s throwin’ swords now? That’s low! Tyranix didn’t see that comin’. Where’s the honor in this fight?
Bill Ruggles: Aye, Jag, but it’s about survival. That throw might’ve just saved Everett’s hide. Desperate times call for desperate measures.
However, my joy at Aspirant's triumph was short-lived. Now weaponless and exposed, they faced Yala's wrath. Her mace descended in a relentless fury, each blow pushing Aspirant back. Caught off guard and weaponless, Aspirant struggled to defend. Then, the inevitable happened—a crushing blow from Yala landed, sending Aspirant reeling.
Seeing Yala slamming Aspirant with the mace broke my stupor, I charged towards Yala's back, my shield at the ready. Just as her mace struck Aspirant, I collided into her with full force, unleashing Tempest's Wrath upon impact. A jolt of raw energy coursed through my veins, the air crackled with electricity, the ground trembled beneath my feet, lightning blasted into the shield just as it connected. The blue shockwave from the collision was monumental, sending both Yala and me sprawling across the clearing.
Jag Roneo: Look at that hit! Everett’s like a storm in a bottle. Yala’s takin’ a hit, but it ain’t over yet!
Bill Ruggles: Aye, that was a big one. Everett’s throwin' everything he’s got. Yala’s down, but she ain’t out!
I took little damage from the shock and wasted no time. I sprang to my feet and rushed towards Yala. She struggled, clearly incapacitated, it occurred to me that she might have had a broken back. I couldn't take any chances—the system or her class might be able to heal her over time. I raised my sword, targeting her neck. With relentless strikes, I severed her head, ensuring her defeat.
With no hesitation, I sprinted over to Aspirant. They were on the ground, a heap of pain and struggle, their injuries severe, possibly fatal. As I approached, Aspirant managed a laugh, "You brought me a gift, how sweet." They coughed then, blood spattering their lips.
Confused, I respond, "What?" Only then do I notice Yala's shrinking head in my grasp. Shocked, I yelped and tossed it aside, causing Aspirant to chuckle weakly, which resulted in even more blood.
Jag Roneo: Everett’s takin’ down Yala! No way! This ain’t right. Look at ‘im, holdin’ her head like a trophy. Disgustin’!
Bill Ruggles: Aye, it’s a brutal world, Jag. Everett’s doin' what he has to. This fight’s takin' everything outta both of ‘em.
Panic gripped me. "How can I help? How can I heal you?" I asked desperately.
"You can't," Aspirant rasps. "Remember your promise. Help my people. If you meet my family, my sister, give her my blessing. I go with… hope."
I took their hand in mine, it was already cooling. "I promise," I said, determination and sorrow mingling in my voice. "I'll do everything I can for the Vollan."
Tears streamed down my face, grief overwhelmed me. In that moment of profound loss, the announcer's voice boomed, "Congratulations to our winner! No matter how many bodies he must leave in his wake… Destiny’s Chosen Drifter defies the odds again!" The words rang hollow, a cruel contrast to the tragedy of Aspirant at my feet.
Jag Roneo: Everett wins, but at what cost? This ain’t a victory—it’s a damn massacre. How many bodies does he need to leave behind?
Bill Ruggles: Aye, Jag, it’s a hollow win. Everett’s got the title, but he’s lost more than he’s gained today. The road to victory’s paved with too much sorrow.