Ruin Part Three

As the dust settles and the tension builds, my eyes finally lock onto Orion's team, each member revealing themselves one by one. It's quite a sight. Knowing these people as I do, I can't help but evaluate them, measuring their potential against Knox's team.

Orion, standing with flamboyant flair, catches my eye first. His tanned skin contrasts sharply with his wavy dark hair, and there's that star-shaped birthmark near his wrist. He's a magic swordsman, his skills are no joke. I can see his irrepressible grin, a gleam in his eye that tells me he's always looking for something more—more thrill, more laughter, more life. Precisely as he should be, I'm glad nothing changed. 

Next to him stands Cassia, the fiery mage in crimson robes. Her silver amulet shaped like a flame rests elegantly against her chest, glinting in the aftermath of her spellwork. Though she looks animated and childlike at the moment, I know she can be reflective, someone who finds solace in quiet activities like painting and reading poetry. Her eyes—a rich, warm shade of brown—dart over us like quick flames, sizing everyone up before settling on a point in the distance.

Then there's Axl. The first thing you notice about him is his mechanical prosthetic arm, concealed beneath a glove and a sleeveless leather jacket. The man's short-cropped hair and intense eyes suggest a meticulous nature, a persona augmented by his obvious affinity for gadgets. Beneath the punk exterior lies a keen intellect, a mechanic's soul coupled with the spirit of a philosopher. I'm sure he would love to see Eira's workshop, hahaha, he might even beg her to make him a new arm.

Maeve is impossible to overlook, her bright smile lighting up the place even amidst the tension. Petite, with a mane of curly blonde hair, she exudes a vibe that's part pixie, part scientist. Her utility belt, loaded with vials and herbs, clangs gently as she moves. The glasses perched on her nose magnify her bright blue eyes, which scan the field with keen interest. The subtle sparkle of curiosity in her eyes suggests an analytical mind, ever-ready to learn, adapt, and concoct new solutions. Oliver really hates her though... When they meet he'll claim she's not a real alchemist but a fake, Since she only studies healing potions he found it disrespectful and even tried to punish her. 

The last two figures are especially captivating. Tara, her athletic build sheathed in simple, intricately embroidered linen clothes, radiates a quiet intensity. Her hair is coiled into a traditional bun, a jade bracelet adorning her wrist, completing the ensemble. The serenity in her eyes belies an aggressive fighting style—her Tai Chi is not a joke. 

Lastly, Elina stands among them, her wavy auburn hair framing a face that seems both open and mysterious. She's dressed in intricate leather armor interwoven with glowing blue threads, the patterns an arcane language of their own. Her tool, Glimmer Veil, is neatly tucked away, but its presence is unmistakable—just like her charm and sociable exterior. Underneath that façade, I know she can be deceptively cunning, a strategist at heart. Fuck... I can't fight her, dammit, I shouldn't have added that damn artifact this early on. 

My gaze drifts from Orion's team, an eclectic and intriguing bunch, to Knox's squad, standing on the opposite end of the battlefield. A mixture of anticipation and disbelief churns within me. Man, what a lineup this is. Damn, this is fun, it's like a gang fight. Tsk tsk tsk, they act all tough and shit but if Isadora was here they'd be teaming up to fight her. 

Knox himself catches my eye first, a lean, agile figure in a sleeveless top that reveals tattoos of intricate runic symbols winding down both arms. He exudes a natural charisma, his casual stance concealing an adeptness in martial arts and kickboxing. His eyes, sharp and discerning, scan the field like a hawk eyeing its prey. The guy might look intimidating, but he's the soul of his team, always quick to break the ice or goad someone into a friendly bout. Unlike the bastards next to me he actually cares for his team. 

Beside him stands Zephyr, tall and regal, her silver hair flowing like the element she commands. Feathered earrings dangle gracefully from her ears, swaying in an invisible breeze only she can summon. Despite her calm and collected demeanor, there's a fire in her eyes, a quicksilver shift from tranquility to passionate intensity that often catches people off-guard. She's the type to quote Heraclitus in the middle of a duel. 

Next is Lyra, her striking blue eyes almost a contradiction to her dark skin. Her armored leather bodice, studded with sapphires, lends her a warrior-like appearance. But she's the healer, the nurturer, albeit one who might describe her medicinal mixtures with the vocabulary of a deranged poet or a thrilled killer. She's a... mess. And just like Arin, I don't want to be near her. 

Calder is hard to miss, a towering figure with flaming red hair and a tattoo of a flame dancing on his forearm. His muscular build would lead anyone to believe that he's all brawn and no brain, but you'd be wrong. The guy loves historical novels and has an uncanny ability to read the room, offsetting his intimidating presence with a well-timed joke or a thoughtful comment. He is very shy and tends to act like a... bastard I guess. 

Sylvie is the quiet force among them. Petite and pale, she dons emerald robes adorned with intricate leaf motifs. While she may appear withdrawn, her eyes betray a fiercely competitive spirit and a genius for strategy. Although she hasn't reached that point in the story, she is still useful. 

Lastly, there's Quinn. Her spiky purple hair, interspersed with lighter strands, offers an immediate visual jolt. She wears a dark robe layered over a casual, loose black outfit, and I can sense the hidden pockets filled with who-knows-what. Her aura is both chill and electrifying, a weird dichotomy that somehow works. When she looks at you, it's as though she's reading an invisible script written in the air, leaving you intrigued and, admittedly, a bit unsettled.

As I scan over both teams, shit, should I just make popcorn? This is like some blockbuster movie in the making. Knowing each of them, their strengths, quirks, and how they'll clash or mesh with the other side, the tension is palpable, electric even.

Well, I hope they get on with it already. I wouldn't want to miss a single second of whatever is about to unfold.

My eyebrows shoot up as Knox goes from holding half his face and laughing like a maniac to suddenly becoming deathly serious. "You fucker, you think we can't beat you?" he shouts across the field.

His eyes flicker towards my makeshift kitchen, probably wondering what the hell I'm doing. The gaze shifts to the rest of my team, who have gathered around the table, eyes riveted on the dishes being prepared, and not the imminent battle. V—yours truly—is busy flipping pizza dough into the air, a grin on my face. Lysandra is the first to plop down at the table, and the others soon follow.

"Ugh, drama queens," I mutter under my breath, turning on the stove. I hear the metallic clang as Orion and Knox's weapons collide, the shockwave making the flames of my stove flicker momentarily. It adds a dash of cinematic flair to my culinary escapade.

I hum a jaunty tune, slicing onions, peppers, and uncured pepperoni with practiced ease. The sizzle of ingredients hitting hot olive oil fills the air, mixing oddly well with the clashing sounds of swords and the crackling of elemental spells.

Orion, who'd been battling it out with Knox, suddenly bursts into laughter, unable to contain himself anymore. "Hahahaha. Oh, this is great," he guffaws, almost doubling over. "Is this what you were smelling, Cassia?" He wipes tears from his eyes and focuses on Knox. "Looks like we got an audience."

Knox, not to be outdone, stands up and sighs, obviously vexed but also slightly amused. Orion, however, isn't done baiting him. "Hmm? Don't tell me—oh my God! You're scared?" he coos, hand over his mouth.

In a flash, Knox spins around, delivering a side-kick aimed right at Orion's head. The force creates a shockwave as Orion blocks it with his sword. "Afraid? Hahahaha! I'm just too excited!" Knox crows.

On my end, I can't help but nod appreciatively as I scatter mozzarella over the tomato sauce-slathered dough. Damn, they're good. I'm not regretting the choice to make pizza at this moment. Comfort food for a comforting brawl, I guess.

I look at Lysandra, who's already munching away at an appetizer I'd set out earlier. "You're recording, right?" I ask.

Lysandra, with her mouth full, manages to nod affirmatively after glancing at the magical crystal sitting beside her plate. That thing has captured more epic fights and bizarre occurrences than most people see in a lifetime. Hehehe, but if I do it right I might be able to make a fortune selling these fights. 

I slide the pizza into a magically-enhanced oven—because why not—and set the timer.

Elina yawns and stretches her arms out lazily, the movement causing her elbow to collide softly with Cassia's head. Cassia's cheeks puff up in annoyance but she says nothing, perhaps unwilling to let her irritation break her focus.

"Yo, are we just gonna ignore them?" Elina says, gesturing with her thumb toward my team, who are gathered around my makeshift kitchen, seemingly captivated by the culinary spectacle rather than the showdown unfolding before them.

Orion, who has been busy exchanging blows with Knox, doesn't answer Elina right away. Instead, he takes the opportunity to dodge Knox's next kick, skirting back several steps to regain his footing.

Tara strides over, elegant in her movements, and casts a lingering glance over at my team. She arches an eyebrow upon noticing Lysandra choking—courtesy of the multiple appetizers she stuffed in her mouth—and says, "I doubt they'll join in."

Knox's voice cuts in sharply. "Yo, Quinn, I need you to deal with that one," he says, eyeing Tara.

Grinning devilishly, Quinn pulls out a dagger. "Ooh, thank god. I really want to see what the wealthy Lee family can do."

"It seems my family's name has spread throughout the kingdoms," Tara replies.

Axl rolls his eyes. "Everyone's done their research, Tara." He rubs his forehead. "Why does everyone have to act so—"

"Fucking shit, I'm getting tired of this," Cassia interrupts, visibly peeved. She starts to walk toward my group but is stopped in her tracks by a sudden burst of icicles from Zephyr.

Quick as a whip, Axl pulls her back, blocking most of the icicles with his sword. One, however, grazes Cassia. Zephyr coolly states, "You're not going anywhere."

Maeve sighs deeply as she strides over to Cassia, producing a vial of potion from her utility belt. She drops a few droplets onto Cassia's wound. "Seriously, Cassia, you gotta stay focused."

That's when Knox sighs, clearly exasperated. "Enough of this crap." Like a bullet, he lunges at Orion, aiming for another vicious kick. Orion parries, but the force still slides him back across the ground.

Meanwhile, Axl squares off with Zephyr, sword in hand. Zephyr attempts to rush at Cassia but is interrupted, "Oh no, you don't," he says, skillfully deflecting her volley of ice and fire spells with swipes of his blade. Zephyr rolls her eyes, clearly displeased with Axl's resistance.

At the same time, Quinn and Tara are a dance of bladed evasion. Each dodge, each counter, each calculated attack is a testimony to their combat prowess. It's like watching a choreographed ballet, except the stakes are a bit higher. 

Elsewhere, Elina maneuvers around Calder, dodging swings of his greatsword. She's a whirling dervish of evasion, but also clearly thinking, scheming—each sidestep and parry a setup for the grand finale she's plotting in her mind.

From my vantage point, this is better than any action film. I take a bite of my freshly baked pizza—mozzarella melted to perfection, its texture a delightful contrast to the crunchy crust. I nod appreciatively. Damn, they're good, and this pizza is damn good, too.

"Enjoying the show, Isabella?" I ask, catching her eye as she savors a slice of the pizza.

She exhales sharply, as if it pains her to say it. "I suppose this is... decent, given that it's food for commoners."

I glance at Lysandra, making sure the magical crystal beside her is recording every moment. She gives me a thumbs-up, her mouth still too full to speak.