Lance: A dumb reason? It's not really a dumb reason, you know.
Edward: It's not? Ending our long friendship because of jealousy? You're telling me that's not a dumb reason?
Lance: Like I said, it wasn't just jealousy. If I stayed with you, I'd always be in your shadow. I wanted to make a name for myself—not as your sidekick, Edward.
Edward: ...Oh well. I'm still going to beat your ass. Let's finish this, Lance.
Lance: Yes, let's finish this.
Both Lance and Edward move into their battle stances, ready to clash. The tension between them is palpable, years of unspoken frustration bubbling beneath the surface. For a moment, the battlefield is silent, as if the world itself is holding its breath.
Lance strikes first, summoning multiple shadow spikes from the ground, aiming to impale Edward. But Edward, always quick on his feet, conjures a flame shield, disintegrating the spikes before they can reach him.
Edward: Is that all you've got? Come on, Lance. You'll have to do better than that.
Without wasting a moment, Edward activates his Flame Transformation Stage 2. Flames engulf his body, and his speed becomes almost superhuman. Before Lance can react, Edward appears in front of him, delivering a devastating punch to his stomach. Lance is sent flying backward, crashing into the ground.
Lance: Ahh, damn it... You're still as strong as I expected.
Edward: Of course. I'm one of the 10 legendary heroes—Edward Pierce.
Lance: Ha, that's true. But I'm still going to defeat you.
Edward: Oh really? And how are you planning to do that?
Lance: Let's just say I've got another trick up my sleeve.
Lance picks himself up, his confidence unwavering. With a smirk, he disappears into his own shadow, his body sinking into the ground like water.
Edward: Really? This again? You're not going to trick me a second time, Lance.
Edward focuses his senses, attuning himself to the vibrations in the ground. He waits, ready to strike the moment Lance reappears. But seconds pass, then a minute, and still, there's no sign of him.
Edward: What the hell? Why isn't he coming out?
Suddenly, Edward feels a sharp, searing pain in his back. He gasps, realizing he's been stabbed again.
Edward: Ahh! Wha—how?!
He stumbles forward, clutching his wound. Blood seeps through his fingers.
Edward: How did you manage to get behind me again?
Lance: It's pretty simple, actually. I came out of my shadow before you started focusing on the ground. I used that window of time to my advantage.
Edward: Damn... You managed to trick me again. You really have gotten stronger.
Lance: Thanks for the compliment, but it's time to end this fight, Edward.
Edward: Now, now. I'm just getting started. This fight isn't over yet.
Lance: What? You're wounded and have been stabbed in the back twice now. How are you going to keep fighting?
Edward: Do you really think stabbing me in the back twice is enough to take me down? I'm a legendary hero, Lance. I've been through worse.
Lance: Ah... I guess you're right. Well, shit. This is going to be harder than I thought.
Edward: Did you really think this would be easy?
Lance: No, but I didn't think it would be this hard. You're really strong, Edward.
Edward: Ha, yeah. Now let's get back to it.
Edward dashes toward Lance, his speed creating a fiery trail behind him. Lance responds by activating his Shadow Transformation. His body becomes enveloped in an eerie, swirling cloak of shadows, his eyes glowing faintly.
They clash, fists colliding with explosive force. The impact creates a shockwave that reverberates through the battlefield. Fortunately, the barrier surrounding them absorbs the brunt of the force, preventing destruction beyond its confines.
When the smoke clears, Lance is revealed to be bloodied and breathing heavily. His knees wobble, but he refuses to fall.
Lance: Ha... Well, Edward, that was impressive. You really are stronger than me.
Edward: You're strong yourself, Lance—but not as strong as me, of course.
Lance: Oh, shut up, you arrogant bastard.
Edward: I haven't heard that name in a long time.
Lance: That's because I was the last person to call you that—and the first, too.
Edward: Indeed, you were. Thanks for giving me such a wonderful nickname.
Lance: Stop with the sarcasm and let's get back to fighting.
Edward: Okay.
They resume their battle, this time more ferocious than ever. Their punches and kicks blur together as they trade blows, each strike heavier than the last. Blood spatters the ground as both fighters push themselves to their limits. The intensity of their fight leaves deep cracks in the ground beneath them, the barrier straining to contain their overwhelming power.
After several minutes, they both stop, panting heavily.
Edward: Wow... I'm exhausted. Haven't felt this tired in a long time.
Lance: You're right... Same here. It's been a while since I pushed myself this hard.
Edward: Let's finish this with one last attack.
Lance: Agreed. You ready to end this, Edward?
Edward: Yeah. Let's do it—one of our strongest attacks.
Lance takes a step back, beginning to channel all his remaining energy into a massive spell. A dark sphere begins to form above his hand, crackling with shadowy energy. The sphere grows larger and larger until it becomes a colossal shadow bomb, pulsating with destructive potential.
Meanwhile, Edward gathers flames, the heat around him becoming almost unbearable. The flames spiral upward, forming a massive fiery dragon that roars with intensity.
Lance: Are you ready, old friend?
Edward: Of course. Let's finish this, Lance.
Lance hurls his shadow bomb forward, while Edward unleashes his fiery dragon. The two attacks collide in midair, creating a cataclysmic explosion that engulfs the battlefield. The sheer force of the blast shakes the barrier, threatening to shatter it. For a moment, everything is consumed by blinding light and deafening noise.
When the smoke finally clears, both men are still standing. They look at each other, their bodies battered and bruised.
Lance: That was a good battle, Edward.
Edward: Yes, it was. I can't remember the last time I fought with this much power. You were a worthy opponent, old friend.
With those words, Lance collapses to the ground, unconscious.
Edward: Well, my job here is done. Now it's your turn, Dakota Leal.
---
Meanwhile, back with Dakota and the group, chaos erupts as Djinns and humans clash with the teachers and students outside. The scene is one of utter mayhem, with spells flying in every direction and screams echoing through the air.
Dakota: Damn, this whole situation is way worse than it was in the novel.
Dakota (thinking): I can't tell if I have good luck or bad luck—probably bad.
Henry: So what do we do now, Dakota?
Dakota: Isn't it obvious? Like we always do—stop the bad guys.
Henry: Okay, let's do this.
The group charges into the fray, determination etched on their faces. But their advance is halted as ten Djinns step forward, blocking their path.
Dakota: Ah, shit. Ten Djinns, huh? And not just any Djinns—mid-ranked ones.
Henry: There are only nine of us, so someone has to take on two.
Dakota: I'll do it.
Ava: What? Are you sure, Dakota?
Dakota: I'm the strongest in the group. There's no one better suited for this than me.
Lucas: Yeah, you're right. Good luck, Dakota.
Dakota: Don't wish me luck. Wish those Djinns luck—they're going to need it.