In a fit of rage, Ralphee's thunderous voice reverberated, "Yuna, depart this place this instant!"
Yuna responded with an adamant shake of her head, her resolve unyielding.
Her voice echoed with determination as she declared, "Hiro has tasted death once already; I shall not permit its grasp upon him again."
Ralphee's anger surged, his voice laced with chilling certainty as he issued a dire ultimatum, "Your fate is sealed, girl. Flee now, or prepare to meet your doom alongside him!"
With an affirmative nod, Yuna took a determined step forward, ready to face the impending confrontation head-on.
Ralphee, without hesitation, launched a ferocious charge, his blade cleaving through the air in a deadly arc, aimed squarely at our vulnerable forms. Yet, in a testament to their unwavering unity, Reina interposed herself with her Great Blade, the blade shattering into a cascade of shards upon contact.
Ralphee, his arrogance evident, couldn't resist taunting Reina. "Reina, your brawn may be impressive, but your skill leaves much to be desired. You're no match for me."
Ralphee advanced toward me, our eyes locked in a fierce contest of wills. I held my head high, exuding unwavering confidence.
His arm rose, heralding his impending strike, and I met it head-on. With a determined step forward, my fist connected with Ralphee's arm, the impact resounding through the battleground.
Blow after blow, we engaged in a relentless exchange, our bodies in fluid motion, both attacking and evading with astonishing agility. The battlefield became a whirlwind of movement as we circled each other, each manoeuvre designed to secure the slightest advantage.
My body moved with swiftness and grace, deftly sidestepping Ralphee's attacks, demonstrating my unyielding resolve in the face of this formidable adversary.
A determined fire burned within me as I launched a powerful punch at Ralphee's chest, unleashing a shockwave of swift and biting strikes, akin to the relentless winds from the west. My movements blended agility and precision, creating a mesmerizing dance of combat.
Energy surged through my veins, and my body vibrated with an intensity that mirrored the fierce storm of battle. I drew upon every ounce of my strength to confront Ralphee, the reservoir of my energy depleting rapidly. Yet, I pressed on, hurling relentless blows in his direction.
As time wore on, the strain began to take its toll, and my body protested with aching fatigue. But I refused to relent, my determination unwavering, for I knew that I could not afford to falter. The will to emerge victorious burned brightly within me, a beacon in the tumultuous surrounding sea of battle.
A peculiar shift in the tide of battle caught my attention, a phenomenon that defied explanation. Ralphee's movements began to falter, his strength waning, and his weariness becoming more apparent with each passing moment. It was a perplexing turn of events, one that demanded scrutiny.
With a swift motion, I swung my arm, unleashing a crackling blast of lightning aimed squarely at Ralphee's face. The bolt struck its target, but Ralphee exhibited an unnerving resilience, barely flinching in the face of the powerful assault.
Perplexed but undeterred, I gazed upward to witness Ralphee charging toward me, his sword swinging wildly in a frenzied assault. Yet, I refused to be a passive spectator to this onslaught, for I was determined to face him head-on.
With a swift and powerful motion, I hurled my right leg backwards, the impact striking Ralphee square in the chest. The force of the blow sent him hurtling through the air, and I followed suit, landing atop him with unwavering resolve.
Despite his desperate attempts to rise, I seized his neck in an unyielding grip, maintaining my dominance over him.
My gaze bore into him with an air of menace as I proposed, "Ralphee, it is time to bring this battle to its conclusion. How about we call it a draw?"
Ralphee's glare seethed with venomous hatred, and he spat out words of contempt, "You are nothing but a worthless scum."
In response, I retorted, "It's quite surprising to hear such words from you, especially when you're on the brink of defeat. Perhaps it's proof that you are indeed a man, unlike your former self."
Ralphee's enraged scream echoed through the battlefield, his claims of mastery resounding in the air. He declared with fervour, "You shall learn, for I am the sovereign of this realm!"
I chuckled mirthlessly, my amusement evident. "Indeed, Ralphee, you are the sole possessor of such grandiloquent phrases. I wouldn't dare to utter them myself, for they sound preposterous when voiced by you."
Ralphee's fury intensified, and he strained to break free from my grasp, but my hold remained unyielding.
Yet, a sudden realization gripped my consciousness—Ayase. With a decisive motion, I cast Ralphee aside, sending him crashing to the ground. My purpose clear, I turned away, intent on locating Ayase and ensuring her safety amidst the turmoil of battle.
Walking alongside me, Reina and Yuna bore expressions that spoke volumes. Concern etched itself upon Reina's features, while Yuna's gaze held an unspoken inquiry.
Yuna offered a faint smile, her words carrying a weight of concern. "Hiro, you're truly alright with this, aren't you?"
Returning her smile, I met her gaze with a resolute expression. "It no longer matters, for your father has suffered sufficient consequences."
Reina's response held a trace of unease as she spoke, "If you intend to seek out Ayase, I can guide you to her. I know where my father is keeping her captive."
With a newfound sense of purpose, our path was clear, the impending confrontation with destiny awaiting us.
With a solemn nod, I acknowledged Reina's guidance, and she led the way towards Ayase's location. I followed closely behind her as we ventured further into the unknown.
Our footsteps echoed within a grand hall, its floor adorned with intricate mosaic tiles, and the ceiling soared to towering heights, likely reaching ten meters. A multitude of pillars and arches adorned the space, creating an aura of majesty.
The hall was devoid of life, save for the three of us. A solitary door beckoned from the left, offering passage to another chamber.
As I entered the room, my eyes fell upon a large bed adorned with numerous pillows and blankets, an island of comfort amidst the sea of uncertainty.
My heart twisted with anger and sorrow as I beheld Ayase, lying on the bed, bound hand and foot, her once-vibrant spirit now diminished, her body marked by bruises and the cruel ravages of mistreatment.
Fury consumed me as I clenched my teeth, my gaze locked onto Ayase with unbridled rage.
Yuna stepped forward, her hands deftly working to untangle the knots that bound Ayase's wrists and feet, her actions filled with determination to free her friend from the clutches of despair.
I drew nearer to Ayase, my heart heavy with anguish, yet my expression etched with anger, as I confronted the tragic scene before me. Tears streamed down her cheeks, a testament to her suffering, but my focus remained unwavering.
Standing before her, our eyes locked, I implored her with urgency, "Who could do such a thing to you, Ayase? You are beautiful and extraordinary, and not just anyone is deserving of your presence. Why do people treat you with cruelty, and why do you allow it?"
Ayase's tearful gaze met mine, her sobs a haunting backdrop to our conversation.
"Please, tell me," I beseeched her.
Yet, to my surprise, she erupted into laughter, a laughter that resonated with profound sorrow. "Hahahahaha... Hiro, you know nothing. Do you believe you understand everything? That you have all the answers? No. Not even you grasp the intricacies of life, and neither do I."
Ayase's enigmatic response left me stunned, and I persisted, my voice tinged with concern, "Ayase, why are you subjecting yourself to such suffering?"
Yuna approached me, her hand resting gently on my shoulder, and she implored me, "Hiro, sometimes it's best to let things be."
I turned to Yuna, bewildered by her words. "What are you saying?"
Yuna sighed, her gaze returning to Ayase. "Ayase has carried this burden since the day we met her. She's always struggled with self-loathing. It was difficult to connect with her, but now..."
A surge of rage and despair overwhelmed me, and in a fit of irrational anger, I lunged forward, delivering a punch to Yuna's stomach that sent her reeling backwards.
Ayase's startled expression reflected a mixture of fear and confusion as she stammered my name, "H-Hiro?"
My anger remained unchecked as I raised my fist, poised to strike, but before I could act, Reina intervened, halting my impulsive violence.
In the turmoil that followed, I couldn't bear to stay any longer. I fled from the room, escaping into the grand hall.
Reina's desperate shout echoed after me, "Hiro! Return!"
But I continued running, the weight of suffering and despair unbearable.
Tears streamed down my cheeks, and I collapsed onto the unforgiving stone floor, my body wracked with sobs. Kneeling against the cold wall, I wept, unable to contain the overwhelming tide of emotions any longer.
Amidst my sorrow and despair, the echo of approaching footsteps reached my ears, accompanied by a voice that struck a chord of familiarity. "Hiro, is that you?"
With trembling hands, I wiped away my tears, my palm brushing across my tear-streaked face.
A figure materialized before me, adorned in armour, her long hair cascading gracefully, and a black dress concealed beneath the protective plating. Her presence was striking, her skin pale and her form slender.
My gaze remained locked upon her as I whispered in disbelief, "Mom...