Akira's heart pounded in her chest, her breath quick and shallow. She gripped her radiant sword tightly, her eyes darting between Nox and Erin. The tension in the air was suffocating, and she didn't know if her mind was playing tricks on her, but dark clouds seemed to have gathered above them.
I can't let him fight Erin; she's a monster, Akira thought to herself, but then her heart sank as she saw the look in Erin's eyes.
"Nox," Akira said urgently, stepping closer to him, "we need to get out of here. Erin—she's not someone you can just—"
Nox raised a hand, cutting her off. His calm, measured gaze locked onto Erin, who stood a few paces ahead, her smirk as sharp as the blade she held. Nox said simply, "I'm not running."
Akira's eyes widened, her grip on her sword tightening as she shouted, "But she's—she's level 100! Do you even understand what that means?!"
