Neizan, at that moment, was barely aware of the faces around him. All that mattered was the figure of the giant, the adversary who had caused his suffering. He gripped his sword tightly, and an unknown impulse told him this was only the beginning.
『Neizan: «If this is what I am… then so be it.» 』
In that instant, Neizan launched himself forward, leaving a dark trail behind him. The stands erupted in murmurs of disbelief and fear. No one could look away from the warrior who had crossed his own limits, embracing a power that only existed in horror tales.
『Meilia: «What… does this mean?» 』
『Miguel: «Can he do it too?» 』
The entire coliseum trembled as the giant's aura intensified, transforming into the same dark purple hue as Neizan's. This ominous energy sent shivers through the crowd, who watched in growing terror.
『Jack: Now I recognize you, Neizan. 』
Neizan held his sword tightly, meeting the giant's gaze with an even more intimidating expression. He felt an overwhelming urge to resume the fight, and without a word, he vanished from everyone's sight.
『Miguel: «He's even faster now!» 』
In an instant, Neizan reappeared mid-air before the giant, bringing his sword down with all his might. The clash of his blade against the giant's weapon unleashed a massive shockwave, far stronger than anything seen before. The audience instinctively shut their eyes as the force whipped through the arena, sending their hair and clothes flying. Beneath the giant's feet, the ground began to buckle under the strain.
『Neizan: «Even though I can't wield both swords now, or use one of my arms, I can still fight. This might not last long, but I'll make the most of this opportunity.» 』
『Jack: «Not only did he get faster; he's grown even stronger. Although, he still doesn't surpass my strength.» 』
With a fierce push, the giant knocked Neizan's sword aside. Landing back on his feet, Neizan lunged forward at the same time as the giant, their weapons clashing with explosive force. The battle grew more violent, each strike becoming more intense and destructive. To shield the spectators, an energy barrier was raised around the arena, blocking the shockwaves radiating from the clashing warriors.
Neizan managed to parry one of the giant's attacks, but the giant retaliated with a cut to Neizan's shoulder, blood splattering from the wound. Ignoring the injury, the giant pressed on, launching a blow that narrowly missed Neizan's torso. Neizan quickly adapted, darting around the giant in erratic movements, striking from all angles. The giant countered with a powerful stomp, shattering the arena floor and causing Neizan to stumble, losing his balance and speed for a split second. The opening allowed the giant to swing his massive kanabo down, sending Neizan flying back into the wall.
This time, however, Neizan braced his legs against the wall, using the impact to propel himself forward. Hurtling back toward the giant, he delivered a swift slash across the giant's chest. Unexpectedly, the upper portion of the kanabo—the weapon that should have blocked his attack—was cleaved off, clattering to the ground. Neizan landed behind the giant, who spun around in anger, preparing to strike with the broken kanabo.
The giant swung, but Neizan ducked and countered with a slash of his own. This time, the giant caught the blade with his hand. Yet, Neizan pulled his sword back before the giant's grip could trap it, watching as the giant clenched his other fist. The blow grazed Neizan's face as he darted forward, narrowly evading the crushing impact.
Breathing heavily, Neizan steadied his stance, his eyes blazing with a mixture of defiance and exhaustion. The battle was taking a toll on both fighters, yet neither seemed willing to back down.
The dust and sand stirred up by the attacks had covered the center of the arena, blocking the view of all the spectators. No one could see what was happening at the heart of the battle, until, slowly, the cloud began to dissipate.
When it finally cleared, Neizan and the giant were visible, both standing face to face. Neizan's sword was deeply embedded in the giant's chest, from which blood poured, even staining his mouth. Neizan was breathing heavily, exhausted, his own body covered in wounds and sweat, while the giant finally fell to one knee.
『Neizan: ...! 』
In one last, fierce attempt, the giant gripped Neizan's sword tightly, preventing him from pushing it further. With his other arm, he grabbed Neizan by the neck and slammed him to the ground, pressing down with enough strength to nearly choke him. Neizan felt his throat giving under the giant's crushing grip, and in a desperate act, he used his broken arm to hold the sword with both hands again. Screaming with all his might, he summoned the last bit of strength he had.
『Neizan: AHHHHHHHHHHH! 』
In that moment, Neizan's sword managed to pierce the giant's heart. The colossus halted his assault, his fingers loosened on the sword, and his deadly grip on Neizan's neck weakened. The giant coughed blood as his eyes slowly lost their light, his massive body going still before collapsing.
『Jack: «I leave it to you... Thank you, Neizan…» 』
In his final moments, the giant thought of his daughter and wife. At last, he could rest in peace after a long and arduous life.
Realizing the battle had ended, Neizan let go of his sword, and as he withdrew it from the giant's chest, a final torrent of blood stained the sand. The colossus fell onto his back, leaving a vast pool of blood. Neizan stepped back, looking at the strongest, most tenacious man he had ever known, someone who, despite being his enemy, had respected him and acknowledged him as a worthy rival. Jack, the indestructible, the greatest of giants, lay dead.
Then, the crowd erupted in cheers, and Neizan's friends, filled with joy, finally showed their pride and relief at his victory. However, Neizan could not enjoy the moment: his eyes began to close, and a heavy weight returned to his body. With no strength left to stand, he collapsed to the ground, unconscious.