Inferno's Reckoning*
Jeremy stood, exhausted and injured, his mind reeling from the relentless battle. Mischief Katana's gentle hum echoed in his mind, a reassuring presence.
"Finally showing up, huh?" Jeremy whispered, grasping the sword's hilt.
With renewed determination, Jeremy faced Akane. "Time to end this."
Akane's smile broadened. "Finally, I get to see the legendary Mischief Katana's true power."
She charged, unleashing Raging Tempest (Fūjin no Mōjin). The flurry of rapid slashes generated a whirlwind of destruction, threatening to consume Jeremy.
Jeremy raised Mischief Katana, unleashing Ripple Slash (Hamon Giri). The energy-infused blade sliced through the tempest, dispersing the whirlwind. The force of the block sent Akane stumbling back.
Akane's eyes widened. "This sword is incredible... Its power is unlike anything I've seen."
Before she could react, Jeremy used Wave Burst (Hadō Hassei), unleashing a concentrated energy blast. Akane was knocked into the flames, but to Jeremy's surprise, she emerged unscathed.
"Damm... The fire only hurts me, not you? That's not fair," Jeremy muttered.
Akane sneered. "I don't care about your complaints. Your techniques are ineffective in small spaces; I hold the advantage. In my domain, Inferno's Cage, I'm unstoppable. Aura Infinity fuels my strength."
She taunted, "Why not surrender? Die with dignity."
Jeremy's resolve hardened. "No."
Mischief Katana hummed in agreement.
The battle raged on.
Jeremy's thoughts raced. "Akane's right... I'm severely injured, and my right arm's useless. But I have a plan."
"Mischief Katana, let's get her mad. Make her lose focus."
Jeremy began mocking Akane, his words laced with contempt. "You're slow, Akane. Your techniques are clumsy. Inferno's Cage is just a crutch."
Akane's anger flared, her face reddening. "Enough!"
The battle reignited.
Akane unleashed a flurry of slashes, each strike fueled by rage. Jeremy dodged and weaved, his left arm guiding Mischief Katana.
Their blades clashed in a blur of steel and energy.
Akane's Raging Tempest returned, threatening to consume Jeremy.
He countered with Ripple Slash, dispersing the whirlwind.
The fight intensified.
Akane swung her sword in a wide arc, aiming for Jeremy's neck.
Jeremy deliberately stepped into the attack, Mischief Katana positioned to absorb the blow.
The sword bit into his collarbone, but Akane's momentum made her unable to retract her blade.
Jeremy's smile grew. "Ripple Draw, in close range... You can't dodge or block this."
Mischief Katana hummed, energy surging.
Jeremy drew the sword, releasing a concentrated energy wave point-blank into Akane's chest.
The force sent Akane flying across the Inferno's Cage.
She struggled to rise, wounded.
Jeremy stood, injured but triumphant.
"Mischief Katana... We did it."
The sword's hum softened, content.
Akane's defeated gaze met Jeremy's.
The outcome was clear.
Jeremy thought victory was his, but Akane's wound began to heal, fueled by the inferno surrounding them.
"Good move!" Akane exclaimed, her eyes sparkling. "I almost died from that. If we weren't in my domain, I would've... Ha! You're quite strong, Lazy Sword Master."
Her laughter echoed through Inferno's Cage, a joyful, manic sound.
Jeremy's gaze narrowed. "Crazy bitch..."
His vision blurred, blood loss and heat exhaustion taking their toll. He gasped for air, knees buckling.
But he couldn't pass out – not now.
Akane's smile grew. She focused on the sword lodged in Jeremy's collarbone, and flames erupted, engulfing the metal.
Jeremy screamed, agony searing his nerves.
Akane's smile never wavered. "Burn... and become one with me."
The flames danced, then subsided, leaving the sword transformed back into its original form – now embedded in Jeremy's collarbone, still burning with residual flames.
Akane smirked. "Any more plans, Lazy Sword Master?"
Jeremy's consciousness wavered.
The inferno closed in.
Jeremy's thoughts faded to black.
Jeremy's vision blurred, his consciousness slipping away.
Akane leaned in, sword poised for the final blow. "Any final words, Lazy Sword Master?"
Jeremy's hand trembled, but he managed a defiant gesture – a raised middle finger.
Akane chuckled. "Goodbye, Lazy Sword Master. This was a good fight."
Her sword descended with crushing force.
But just as the blade was about to strike, Akane vanished, teleported into the sky.
She plummeted downward, shocked and enraged. "What the hell?! How did he do it? He was out of aura, tired, and injured!"
Fury consumed her. "He gets to survive today, but next time, he's dead!"
Akane's fall ended abruptly as she crashed into a mountain, sliding down the rocky slope.
Miraculously, she survived.
Back in the now-disappeared Inferno's Cage, Jeremy smiled weakly. "I... survived."
Exhaustion claimed him, and he collapsed, unconscious.
Mischief Katana lay beside him, silent and still.
The battle was over.
Jeremy's fate, uncertain.
Jeremy slowly opened his eyes, groggily taking in his surroundings. Bandages covered his body, and a dull ache throbbed through his veins.
"Where... am I?" he whispered.
A figure entered the room, familiar yet unexpected.
"Ares? Is that you? Ares, the God of Aura Proxy?" Jeremy's voice rose in surprise.
Ares smiled warmly. "You shouldn't move, Jeremy. You're still badly injured. I'm surprised you made it out alive."
Jeremy chuckled, wincing in pain. "That crazy bitch was really trying to kill me over rankings. How's that fair?"
Ares laughed. "Your fight wasn't quiet, I assure you. I had to check on the commotion and found you knocked out. My wife, Athena, patched you up and brought you to our house."
"Thank her for me," Jeremy said gratefully.
Ares' curiosity got the better of him. "So, who won the fight?"
Jeremy's gaze met Ares'. "I'd say it was a tie. Akane must not have known about Mischief Katana's special ability."
Ares' eyes sparkled. "Ah, right! Your sword's unique trait – teleporting opponents. Clever."
Jeremy smiled, relieved. "Guess it saved my life."
Ares nodded. "Indeed. You're lucky to have that sword, Jeremy."
"Rest up, Jeremy," Ares said firmly. "Don't move. My wife will bring food and tend to your wounds. You need recovery, not exertion."
Jeremy nodded, feeling exhaustion reclaim him.
"Thanks, Ares..."
Ares smiled. "No need to thank me, Jeremy. Just recover."
The warmth of the room and Ares' kindness enveloped Jeremy, lulling him into a peaceful slumber.