In the ocean, a massive explosion of water sent waves crashing as Snow and Lust continued their heated battle. Snow hadn’t landed a single solid hit, and Lust’s mocking laughter rang out as she gracefully dodged each icy strike. "Oh, poor little Snow," Lust cooed, placing her hands on her shoulders with a smirk. "Look at you. So small, so fragile… and certainly not as *busty* as me. You’ll never be able to compete."

Snow’s face turned crimson, not from embarrassment, but sheer rage. "Shut up!" she yelled, her icy abilities intensifying. Waves of energy formed around her, cold and sharp as she slammed them toward Lust. "I don’t care about looks!" she screamed. "You’re nothing but a vain, self-obsessed—"

Before she could finish, Lust dodged again, twirling playfully through the air. But Snow’s anger fueled her speed, and in a swift move, she slapped Lust across the face. The sound echoed across the water, leaving Lust stunned for a moment.

Lust’s eyes narrowed. "You brat," she hissed, rubbing her cheek. "You’re just jealous. Jealous of everything you’ll never have."

Snow’s eyes blazed with fury as she shot back, "I’m jealous? Of *you*? All you care about is your own body!" She pointed accusingly. "You’re a shallow, self-centered bitch!"

Lust’s lip curled into a sneer. "And you’re an angry little brat, lashing out because you know it’s true."

From a distance, Pride watched their argument with amusement, his laughter echoing through the air. Xero, hidden nearby, heard the sound and immediately zeroed in on him. Pride, realizing he had been discovered, stopped laughing and stepped out of the shadows.

"Greetings," Pride said smoothly, bowing slightly with exaggerated grace. "I was merely enjoying the show."

Xero didn’t bother with words. She launched herself at Pride, her body moving faster than a bullet. But Pride, calm and collected, sidestepped her attack with ease. "My dear," he said, barely putting in any effort, "you’re so predictable."

Xero snarled, her attacks becoming more desperate and wild. "I don’t need to be unpredictable to bring you down!" she shouted, throwing everything she had into each strike. But no matter how fast or hard she attacked, Pride evaded her like it was nothing.

After a few moments, Pride sighed, clearly bored. "Let me show you a fraction of my power." With a flick of his wrist, a tiny beam of light shot from his hand, growing into a massive torrent of energy as wide as a mountain. Xero braced herself but was still caught in the blast, her body torn apart by the sheer force.

Ensure your favorite authors get the support they deserve. Read this novel on Royal Road.

Yet, she survived, her regeneration abilities kicking in immediately. Her body began to heal, albeit slowly.

Pride clapped mockingly. "Such endurance," he mused, smirking. "I’m almost impressed. But why continue this pointless struggle? You know you can’t win."

Xero glared at him, wiping blood from her mouth. "I’m not here to win," she said through gritted teeth. "I’m here to stall you, and that’s exactly what I’m going to do."

---

In the south pole, the cold air was cut by the fierce clash between Insanity and Envy. Their strikes echoed across the frozen landscape, but it was clear Envy was at a disadvantage, his speed no match for Insanity’s. "Is this all you’ve got?" Insanity taunted, his voice sharp and mocking. "I’ve seen penguins move faster than you."

Envy growled, his frustration building. "Shut up, you arrogant fool!"

Insanity laughed, sidestepping Envy’s attack with ease. "Arrogant? No, I’m just better. You’re too slow to even be a challenge."

Envy, enraged, tackled Insanity into the icy waters. The freezing temperature didn’t faze Insanity, but Envy’s raw power began to show. He threw Insanity under the water, dragging him through the freezing depths.

But Insanity’s smirk never faltered. "You’re getting desperate," he said, his voice echoing through the water. "You know this won’t stop me."

Insanity slashed at Envy with his katana, striking him repeatedly. Envy growled in pain but retaliated by slamming Insanity into the ice. Insanity stood, unfazed, pulling another blade from his side.

"You think you can win by brute force?" Insanity asked, twirling his blade. "You’re going to need a lot more than that."

Envy’s face twisted in rage. "I’m going to rip you apart!" he screamed, summoning a massive wave of dark matter and launching it at Insanity.

---

In the forest, Auforus kept his distance, sniping at Greed from afar. But Greed wasn’t fazed. He summoned a massive forest lord, its roar shaking the trees. Auforus quickly dispatched it with a single, precise shot, manipulating the very concept of the creature’s existence.

Greed smiled, stepping forward with his hands raised in mock surrender. "Auforus, let’s not fight. I’ve got an offer for you."

Auforus glared, his gun still aimed at Greed. "An offer? From you?"

Greed nodded, his voice smooth as silk. "Sloth has betrayed us," he said casually. "Gluttony’s informed me. After this, we’ll have to take him out. You should join us, Auforus. There’s much to gain. You’re smarter than this. Why fight for them?"

Auforus clenched his jaw. "You think I’d side with you? After everything you’ve done?"

Greed sighed, almost disappointed. "I had hoped you would see reason. You’ve always been logical. But this…" He waved his hand dismissively. "This is beneath you."

Auforus tightened his grip on his gun. "The only thing beneath me is you." With a quick motion, he fired at Greed’s hand, but Greed dodged effortlessly.

"You’re not even taking this seriously," Auforus spat, his voice filled with frustration.

Greed shook his head, his expression one of mock sadness. "I’m saddened, truly. I thought you’d see the potential in our deal. But it seems I’ve overestimated you."

Auforus snarled, his anger rising. "I’m going to put an end to your games, Greed. This time, you won’t escape."

The tension between the two rose as they prepared for the next strike, both knowing that this fight was far from over.