The crowd's deafening cheers filled the grand arena as Nero Desgarron stood towering over Dredd Zerik, his victory all but secured.
The frigid air hung heavy, ice spikes glistening under the stadium lights, a testament to Nero's overwhelming dominance. Dredd remained kneeling, his chaotic energy flickering weakly around him, his breathing ragged and labored.
"Give up," Nero repeated, his voice carrying an air of finality. "You have no chance against me."
A hush began to fall over the audience, murmurs of admiration and relief rippling through the Akashic Magus Academy's supporters.
Ash, watching from the stands, let out a small breath.
But then... something changed.
"Hehe…"
A low, guttural chuckle escaped from Dredd's lips. His hunched figure began to tremble, not with exhaustion—but with something far more sinister.
"No chance, huh?" he muttered under his breath, his voice dripping with something almost inhuman.
