The night air was heavy with tension as Leon and Ricardo stood facing each other in the ruined courtyard. The full moon cast eerie shadows over the battlefield, illuminating the dust and debris that lingered from their previous clashes. Their breaths were ragged, their bodies bruised and exhausted, yet neither was willing to back down.
Leon wiped blood from the corner of his mouth and exhaled sharply. "You're serious about this, huh? You really want to go through with it?"
Ricardo tightened his grip on his sword, his eyes locked onto Leon with unwavering determination. "I have no choice. If I don't push past my limits now, I'll never be strong enough to protect what matters. And you—you're in my way."
Leon chuckled bitterly. "Your way? I never thought I'd hear you say something so stupid." He rolled his shoulders, cracking his neck before taking a battle stance. "Alright then, if you're that desperate to prove something, I won't hold back."
Without another word, Ricardo lunged forward, his blade cutting through the air with lethal precision. Leon barely managed to sidestep, feeling the wind pressure graze his cheek. He retaliated instantly, summoning fire to his hands and hurling a blazing arc toward Ricardo. But Ricardo was faster—he swung his sword in a precise arc, slicing through the flames and dispersing them into embers.
Leon smirked. "Not bad. You've gotten sharper."
Ricardo didn't reply. He closed the distance in an instant, launching a barrage of slashes that forced Leon onto the defensive. Sparks flew as their blades clashed, the sound of steel ringing through the night. Leon twisted, dodging a downward strike before countering with a flaming uppercut. Ricardo narrowly avoided it, but the heat singed his arm.
Gritting his teeth, Ricardo activated his own ability. His sword pulsed with a deep crimson light, and with a single step, he vanished.
Leon's eyes widened. "Damn it—"
Ricardo reappeared behind him, blade already descending. Leon spun at the last moment, barely blocking the strike, but the force sent him skidding backward. His arms trembled from the impact.
"You're faster now," Leon admitted, breathing heavily. "But speed alone won't be enough."
Ricardo's expression remained unreadable as he rushed forward again. This time, his attacks were relentless, each swing carrying more force than the last. Leon dodged and parried where he could, but he could feel himself being pushed back, bit by bit.
Then, Ricardo changed tactics. He feinted left, but at the last second, twisted his body mid-air and struck from the right. Leon wasn't fast enough—Ricardo's blade slashed across his shoulder, drawing a deep gash.
Leon stumbled, clutching his wound as blood seeped between his fingers. His vision blurred for a moment, but he forced himself to stay upright. "Heh… not bad. But let's see how you handle this."
With a flick of his wrist, Leon summoned a wall of fire between them. He dashed through the flames, using the cover to mask his movement. Ricardo braced himself, sensing the attack from above. At the last moment, he dodged, but Leon was already anticipating it. Mid-air, Leon twisted his body and launched a powerful kick that caught Ricardo in the ribs, sending him crashing into the ground.
Dust erupted from the impact. Leon landed a few feet away, panting. "Still think you can win?"
Ricardo coughed, pushing himself up slowly. "Yeah."
Leon barely had time to react before Ricardo surged forward again. This time, there was something different. His movements were sharper, more refined, as if his body had finally adapted to the intensity of the battle. Every swing of his blade carried an almost supernatural force.
Leon blocked the first strike, but the second cut into his side. He gritted his teeth, refusing to go down. With a roar, he unleashed a wave of fire in all directions, forcing Ricardo to leap back.
Both fighters stood at a standoff once more, their bodies covered in sweat, ash, and blood.
Ricardo broke the silence. "This is the difference between us, Leon. You fight to win. I fight because I have to. That's why you're going to lose."
Leon's fingers clenched into fists. He knew Ricardo was right. Deep down, he had never wanted to fight his friend. But Ricardo—he was willing to do whatever it took.
With one final charge, Ricardo closed the distance, his sword glowing with overwhelming power. Leon tried to block, but his strength was failing. Ricardo's blade cut through Leon's defenses, striking his chest with a decisive blow.
Leon gasped as pain exploded through his body. He staggered, his vision darkening. The last thing he saw was Ricardo standing over him, sword lowered, his expression conflicted.
Then, everything went black.
Leon awoke hours later, the taste of blood in his mouth, his body aching all over. He stared up at the night sky, his mind clouded with one thought.
He had lost.
And he had never felt more alive.