In an unknown location, detached from the confines of the grey stone arena, a group of entities observed the unfolding battle through a holographic display.
The scene before them was vivid, each movement and spell cast by the combatants rendered in crisp detail.
A few of the entities leaned forward, showing their interest. "Intriguing," one murmured simply.
Another scoffed, the sound sharp and dismissive. "They're barely holding their own. It's only a matter of time before they fall."
Laughter bubbled up from a third, who seemed to find delight in the chaos. "Oh, let them have their fun. It's not every day we see such spirit."
Their voices filled the space, a cacophony of perspectives and emotions. The hologram flickered with each clash between Claudia and the Invited, the watchers' eyes never straying from the spectacle.
"See that one, with the bow?" an entity pointed out, a note of respect in their tone. "He's got potential."
"Yes, but potential is nothing without good Talent," another countered, watching as an arrow shattered against Claudia's defenses.
The debate continued, some arguing the merits of the Invited, others predicting their downfall.
Yet, all were captivated by the struggle for survival, the dance of power and determination that played out before them.
As the battle reached its climax, the entities watched, their expressions unreadable, their thoughts their own.
One entity leaned closer to the holographic display, their eyes narrowing.
"There's something about that one," he said thoughtfully. "The way he fights through this battle… it's almost as if he knows something we don't."
Another nodded in agreement, their interest piqued. "Indeed. His calmness isn't just confidence—it's as if he's playing a different game altogether."
A third entity chuckled, the sound echoing softly. "Perhaps he is descendant from one of the Conqueror in the past."
Their conversation was a murmur of intrigue and speculation. But they don't think about him for too long. Its not too rare to find someone who is lookig calm and confidence. Just to be corpses a few Floors later.
The battle continued to rage below. Their eyes were on the archer and th the girl with daggers.
---
The battle escalated as Irene tapped into the depths of her shadow Talent.
The darkness around her seemed to come alive, tendrils of shadow coiling around her limbs like protective serpents.
With each movement the shadows bolstered her, enhancing her strength and lending her a burst of speed that was almost supernatural.
She became a blur within the arena, her form flickering in and out of visibility as she harnessed the shadows to her will.
Each strike was faster and more forceful than the last, her dagger now an extension of the darkness that clung to her.
Behind her, Ethan provided support with a steady stream of crimson arrows.
His aim was true, each shot calculated to complement Irene's assault. The arrows whistled through the air, their red trails a stark contrast to the enveloping shadows.
Claudia retaliate this combined onslaught. She moved with a grace that defied the ferocity of the attacks.
She countered with waves of her own magic. But the battle had taken on a new rhythm.
The Invited watched, their hope rekindled by Irene's prowess and Ethan's unwavering support.
However, the tide of the battle took a sudden and brutal turn.
Claudia found an opening in Irene's defense. With a swift and precise flurry of magic, she attack! Her spells cutting through the shadows that had been Irene's shield.
"Arghh!"
Irene staggered, a cry escaping her lips as multiple slashs wounds appeared across her body.
The shadows that had been her armor dissipated, leaving her vulnerable.
The slash wounds were deep. The magic behind them ensuring that each one was a heavy blow.
The Invited gasped, their hearts sinking at the sight of their comrade in peril.
Claudia stood over Irene, her expression one of triumph mixed with respect for the fight she had put up.
The arena, once filled with the energy of an evenly matched battle, now echoed with the gravity of their dire situation.
Ethan watched from his position. Claudia had once said that she would not go so far as to kill Irene.
However, as a Floor Guardian bound by his power, Claudia surely harbored a lot of hatred in her heart. Ethan felt this every time with his Soul Sense whenever he was near her.
'I can't let her do that.'
Irene was someone who could offer him a great advantage in the future.
And right now, Ethan felt the murderous intent emanating from Claudia.
Ethan's eyes narrowed as he saw Claudia move in for the kill.
At that moment, Ethan charged.
Claudia turned, her eyes locking onto Ethan's. She wanted to focus on Irene first then killing her, but now Ethan suddenly make a move.
Ethan was upon her in an instant. With his Attributes, his Agility is far higher that the others. His hands reaching out to grab her before she could finish Irene off.
Claudia was shocked by how Ethan moved. She has observed little odd things he did after killing monsters. But she never knew what it was.
Now that Claudia had see for herself how Ethan moved, she was sure that its not just his Talent but his Attributes is also a lot stronger.
Gritting her teeth, Claudia countered. At this moment Ethan can not using his manipulation on her because there are 'Them' who watching. He will not risking his own life.
This is great chance to kill him.
Claudia was quick. Trying to twist away but Ethan held on with a grip that was surprisingly strong on her neck.
"Get back!" Ethan yelled to Irene.
Irene, despite her wounds, managed to roll away, putting some distance between herself and the danger.
The fight was close and personal now, no more arrows or magic from a distance.
Ethan and Claudia using their fists and kicks, each trying to gain the upper hand.
But Claudia thought that she would win in this fight. Because she able to use magical power of the Aether to aid her every punches and kicks.
With a grin, Claudia launching barrage of attacks at Ethan. Pouring all of her hatred after his behavior toward her till now.
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