Edward: You damned Djinn! I will kill you, I swear!
Djinn: Looks like you've undergone an awakening. Impressive.
Edward: Yes, I have. And with this newfound power, I'm going to rip you apart!
Djinn: Then come at me.
Edward activated Flame Transformation: Stage 2, a far superior and faster version of his earlier state. The intense flames radiating from him illuminated the labyrinth as the battle began anew. What followed was a vicious brawl—two beings, human and Djinn, brutally exchanging blows, neither willing to back down.
Djinn: Is this all you can manage? Even after awakening?
Edward: I've only just begun.
Both combatants stepped back, momentarily halting their melee. Edward's eyes burned with determination as he prepared to unveil his trump card.
Edward: Let me show you the spell I gained through my awakening. You'll regret provoking me.
Djinn: A new spell? Intriguing. Go on, show me.
Edward raised his arms, and a surge of energy began gathering around him. It flowed into his body, empowering him with a strength he hadn't felt before.
Edward: This spell is incredible. I'm growing stronger without even moving!
But the Djinn smirked and darted forward.
Djinn: Did you really think I'd just stand here and let you finish your spell, you fool? Prepare to die!
Edward: Damn it—!
Before the Djinn could strike, a shadowy barrier emerged between him and Edward. Lance had intervened just in time, using his Shadow Shield to block the Djinn's attack.
Lance: Did you forget about me, you arrogant bastard? I'm still here.
Djinn: Tch. Almost had him. But when did you become fast enough to block me? Wait—did you awaken too?
Lance: That's right. Edward, are you okay?
Edward: Yeah, thanks to you. But Lance, did you also go through an awakening?
Lance: I did. You need time to finish your spell, don't you?
Edward: About a minute. Can you buy me that much?
Lance: Leave it to me. Just focus on finishing your spell.
Djinn: Hah! So now you're fighting me? Pathetic. I'll kill you in an instant and then finish him.
Lance: Don't underestimate me, Djinn. I can handle you for a minute.
Djinn: Confident, aren't you? Let's see if you can back it up.
The Djinn lunged at Lance, but Lance sidestepped the attack with ease. He countered with Shadow Punch, landing a direct hit. Though the Djinn staggered slightly, he quickly regained his footing, appearing unfazed.
Lance gritted his teeth. He wasn't done yet. He sank into the shadows, disappearing from sight, before emerging behind the Djinn. With a swift motion, he unleashed Shadow Spike, impaling the Djinn's stomach.
Djinn: Argh! Damn you, you little—!
Lance: Told you not to underestimate me.
Djinn: Panting. You're good, but you still can't kill me.
Lance smirked and pointed behind the Djinn.
Lance: Maybe not. But my friend can.
The Djinn's eyes widened in realization. Edward had completed his spell, his body now brimming with overwhelming power.
Djinn: Ah, crap—
Edward: Burn in hell, you damned Djinn!
Edward unleashed a massive fireball, its blazing heat illuminating the entire labyrinth. Lance disappeared into the shadows to evade the attack as the spell engulfed the Djinn. The explosion was deafening, and when the smoke cleared, nothing remained of the Djinn but charred ashes.
Both Edward and Lance collapsed to the ground, utterly spent.
Edward: That... was one hell of a fight.
Lance: Yeah... but we lost our friends. They're really gone.
Edward's expression darkened. Tears welled up in his eyes, and Lance joined him. They cried for several minutes, mourning their fallen comrades, before steeling themselves to leave the labyrinth.
Edward: Let's get out of this nightmare and never return.
Lance: Agreed. I never want to set foot in this place again.
Despite their grief, they were rewarded for their victory. Killing the high-ranked Djinn turned out to be a monumental achievement, as it was the 30th strongest Djinn in existence.
Edward: I can't believe we actually took down a Djinn that strong.
Lance: Yeah, but what's the point? Our friends are still dead. No amount of rewards will bring them back.
Edward: ... I wish they could come back. But that's impossible.
Lance: Then let's honor their memory. Let's get stronger, Edward. For them.
Edward: You're right. Let's do it—for them.
Together, Edward and Lance founded the Hero's Academy. It became a great success, training countless new heroes. However, Edward's fame and strength eclipsed Lance's, sowing seeds of jealousy in Lance's heart.
---
Lance: Edward, I need to talk to you.
Edward: Sure. What's up?
Lance: I've decided to step down as Vice Principal... and go our separate ways.
Edward: What? What do you mean, separate ways?
Lance: I want to leave. I can't stay by your side anymore. I'm going to become a mercenary and make my own name.
Edward: But why? Why can't we stay together?
Lance: Because I'm tired of being in your shadow, Edward. You're more famous, stronger, better... I need to make my own path.
Edward: Lance... after everything we've been through, you're just going to throw away our fifty years of friendship?
Lance: I'm sorry, Edward. Goodbye.
Edward: Wait! Lance, don't go! Please, we can figure this out. You're my best friend!
Lance hesitated at those words, tears streaming down his face, but he didn't look back.
Lance: I'm sorry, Edward. I can't stay. But I do hope we meet again someday.
---
And now, the two old friends faced each other in battle.
Edward: So that's why you ended our friendship? Because of jealousy?
Lance: It's more complicated than that... but yes. Are you angry, Edward?
Edward: Angry? I'm furious! And now I'm going to beat some sense into you—for ending our friendship over such a dumb reason!
Lance: it's not really that dumb, is it? Well I don't care, all I want is to beat you Edward. And Trust me today I will accomplish my goal on defeating you, my goal that I planned for a lot of year's. I will defeat you.