Edward: Do you really think you can beat me, Lance?
Lance: Yes, I do. I've been training relentlessly, just to surpass you.
Edward: I may not be in my prime anymore, but you still won't defeat me.
Lance: Still as cocky as ever, huh? That arrogance will lead to your defeat.
Edward: Let's put that theory to the test, shall we? Let's start this battle.
As soon as Edward finished speaking, Lance appeared in front of him with blinding speed and attacked. Edward, however, managed to block the strike effortlessly.
Edward: Too slow.
Edward countered with a swift punch to Lance's face, knocking him back. Lance stumbled but landed on his feet and activated Shadow Control. This ability allowed him to manipulate shadows, blending into them and moving unseen.
Lance: Let's see how you handle this!
Lance vanished into the shadows and reappeared behind Edward.
Edward: Did you really think that trick would work on me? I've seen it countless times. It's not going to work.
Edward blocked Lance's attack once again, but suddenly, a sharp pain erupted in his back.
Edward: Ahh! What the hell? How did you…?
Lance: Surprised? The one you blocked was my shadow clone. You fell for it, Edward.
Edward glanced over his shoulder and saw Lance smirking. Blood trickled down his back where a shadowy spike had impaled him.
Edward: Damn it… this is bad.
Dakota: Principal! Are you okay? Do you need help?
Edward: No, I've got this under control. You students should focus on helping the others fend off the Djinns.
Dakota: Are you sure?
Edward: Yes, now go. Protect the students and help the teachers.
Dakota: ...Fine. Let's go, guys. We've got work to do.
Henry: Are you sure he doesn't need backup?
Dakota: Trust me, he doesn't.
Dakota looked back at the battlefield, his expression calm but confident.
Dakota: The principal is one of the Ten Legendary Heroes. There's no way that guy can beat him.
He smirked, his tone dropping to a whisper.
Dakota: Besides, I created this universe. I know exactly who wins this fight.
Dakota: Alright, let's clear this mission.
---
Meanwhile, Edward steadied himself, his injury already beginning to heal. He turned to Lance, his expression now serious.
Edward: You've improved. Not just in strength, but in strategy. I'm impressed.
Lance: Of course. I had to grow smarter if I ever wanted to defeat you.
Edward: I'm honored, truly. Knowing that you've trained so hard just to surpass me.
Lance: You should be. You're the only one I've ever respected, Edward.
Edward froze for a moment, caught off guard by the admission.
Edward: Respect me? Even now?
Lance: Yes, I always have. Ever since we were children.
Edward's eyes narrowed, confusion flickering in his gaze.
Edward: ...What? You've respected me all this time?
Lance: Of course. You were always stronger, always smarter. I was always in your shadow.
Edward: In my shadow? Since when did you start thinking like that?
Lance: Ever since we were teenagers.
Edward shook his head, disbelief evident in his tone.
Edward: Lance, you were incredible in your own right. You were famous, talented, respected. How could you think you were in my shadow?
Lance: It's simple, Edward. You were just more. More famous, more skilled, more everything. That's why I was always in your shadow.
---
Flashback
Edward: Hey, Lance. Ready for the mission today?
Lance: Yeah, I'm feeling good. We've got to kill a high-ranked Djinn, right?
Edward: That's right. And there's our team now.
The rest of their group approached—a mix of confident and nervous young warriors.
Teammate: Edward! Lance! You're here.
Edward: Of course we are. Ready to take this Djinn down?
Teammate: Let's hope it's not too strong.
Edward: Don't worry. The guild wouldn't send a group of 20-year-olds to fight something beyond our abilities.
Lance: Yeah, they wouldn't. We'll handle it.
The team entered a B-rank labyrinth, cautiously navigating its twisting corridors. Goblins and orcs attacked, but they were quickly dispatched by the skilled group. Floor by floor, they pushed forward, clearing fifteen levels with ease.
Edward: So far, this is easier than expected.
Lance: Agreed. I thought it'd be tougher.
Eventually, they reached the final floor. The boss room loomed ahead, its massive doors etched with ancient symbols.
Edward: This is it—the Djinn's lair. Everyone ready?
Lance: Let's do this. I just hope no one dies.
Edward placed a reassuring hand on Lance's shoulder.
Edward: Don't worry. With me here, no one's dying today.
The team opened the doors, revealing a towering high-ranked Djinn sitting on a stone throne. Its crimson eyes glowed with malice as it rose to its full height.
Edward: So, you're the Djinn we're here to kill.
Djinn: Indeed I am. And you must be the heroes sent to face me. How many of you will fall today, I wonder?
Edward: None. We're not like the others you've fought. We're stronger.
Djinn: Oh? Then show me.
With a battle cry, Edward charged, flames igniting around him. Lance followed, summoning a storm of shadowy spikes. Their teammates joined in, unleashing a barrage of spells. The Djinn staggered under the assault, its laughter echoing through the chamber.
Djinn: Impressive. You're the strongest group I've faced yet. But it's still not enough.
Before Edward could respond, the Djinn blurred forward, faster than anyone could react. In an instant, it plunged its claw into one of the girls' chests, killing her instantly. The Djinn then turned and slaughtered the remaining three teammates in mere seconds.
Edward and Lance stood frozen, horror etched on their faces.
Lance: ...What just happened? Did they all...?
Lance dropped down on to the ground, and his face was full of despair... But Edward on the other hand was really angry.
Edward's expression twisted into one of pure rage.
Edward: YOU BASTARD! I'LL KILL YOU!
Fueled by grief and fury, Edward erupted in flames. His power surged, triggering an awakening that would later earn him the title of one of the Ten Legendary Heroes.