The aftermath of the battle with Celos left the arena in shambles. The ground was scorched, debris littered every corner, and the air still buzzed with residual energy. I could still feel the rush of that intense clash, the remnants of power humming beneath my skin. Brianna hurried over as I stepped out of the fading battlefield, her eyes wide with a mix of concern and awe.
"Sion! Are you okay?" she asked, glancing at the cuts and bruises that marked my skin. Despite her worried expression, she couldn't hide her curiosity.
"Yeah, I'm fine. Just a little sore," I replied with a half-smile. "Celos was stronger than I expected, but that's what made it fun."
Brianna let out a long breath, her tension easing slightly. "Fun? You were nearly overwhelmed! I've never seen you pushed to that extent before. You even pulled out some ability I've never seen."
I nodded, my gaze drifting to where the Alzatch Blade still hovered at my side. Its green hue gleamed with an eerie yet reassuring glow, pulsing softly like a heartbeat.
"It wasn't just a random power-up," I began, trying to find the words to explain the sudden surge I felt during the battle. "The Alzatch Blade isn't like the other swords I've created before. It's… different. This blade doesn't just cut or slash; it fulfills whatever task it's given, even if it goes against logic or reality."
Brianna's brow furrowed. "How's that even possible? Isn't that a bit… too much, even for you?"
"Trust me, I'm still figuring that out myself," I said, still staring at the blade. "But when Celos pushed me to my limit, something inside me snapped—no, more like clicked. I tapped into something deeper, a state where everything just aligned perfectly. And then the Alzatch Blade just… formed."
Brianna folded her arms, studying me closely. "That power could be dangerous, you know. What happens if you can't control it? And why did it only come out now?"
"I don't know, Brianna," I admitted. "But I think it's tied to what this realm does. The Nexus isn't just a place for battles; it's constantly testing us, drawing out every scrap of potential. I'm starting to believe that this blade—this power—it's something I've always had but could only unlock here."
Brianna's expression softened slightly, though she still looked worried. "I get that, but Sion, you're playing with forces that even this realm might not fully understand. Just… be careful."
Before I could respond, a chilling presence suddenly filled the air. The shadows thickened, and a familiar voice echoed through the arena.
"Still talking about that lucky win, are you?"
Celos emerged from the darkness, his steps unhurried, yet the air crackled with restrained energy. His eyes, though still brimming with that same madness, now carried a different intent—less malice, more curiosity.
Brianna stiffened and took a step back, but I raised a hand, signaling her to stay calm. "You're still alive, huh?" I said, locking eyes with Celos. "I figured you'd be licking your wounds somewhere."
Celos laughed, a low, twisted sound. "You're tough, I'll give you that. But don't think for a second that I'm done with you. You humiliated me back there, and that's not something I'll easily forgive."
"Then why are you here?" I asked, my tone sharp. "If you're looking for a rematch, I'm ready."
Celos shook his head slowly. "No, not yet. I came to satisfy my curiosity. That blade of yours—where did you get it? What exactly is it?"
I held the Alzatch Blade in front of me, its glow reflecting in Celos' eyes. "It's mine, that's all you need to know. It's a perfect weapon that completes whatever it's tasked with, no matter how impossible. But you already felt that firsthand."
Celos narrowed his eyes, his expression darkening. "So, it's true. A weapon that defies reality… I've searched realms for something like that, and here you are wielding it like it's just another toy. It's infuriating."
"Jealous?" I asked, raising an eyebrow.
"Hardly," Celos spat. "But I'll admit—someone like you… you're worth following."
Brianna blinked in shock. "Wait, what?"
I crossed my arms, unsure of what Celos was getting at. "You want to follow me? After everything that just happened?"
Celos' grin widened. "You misunderstand. I still intend to kill you one day, Sion. But not yet. Not until I've learned everything I can from you. This realm is full of monsters, and the only way I'm going to thrive here is by allying with someone stronger than me… for now."
Brianna stepped forward, glaring at Celos. "You really think we'd just trust you after everything?"
Celos ignored her, keeping his gaze fixed on me. "Think of it as a mutually beneficial arrangement. You get someone who knows the ins and outs of this realm, and I get to see just how far you can take that power of yours."
I considered his words. Celos was dangerous, no doubt about that. But having someone like him on my side could prove useful, especially if he had insights into the Nexus Realm that I didn't.
"Fine," I said after a moment. "But try anything funny, and I'll use this blade to make sure you stay down for good."
Celos chuckled darkly. "Deal."
Brianna still looked uneasy, but she didn't protest. She knew as well as I did that in a place like this, strength was everything, and having an unpredictable wild card like Celos could tip the scales in our favor.
As we walked away from the ruins of the arena, I couldn't shake the feeling that things were only going to get more complicated from here. Celos might be on our side for now, but there was no telling when he'd decide to switch back to being an enemy. Still, that uncertainty was part of what made this realm so thrilling.