Chapter 42

A gust of wind swept across the battlefield, making the vampire girl's blonde hair billow dramatically. It was like nature itself was setting the stage for this showdown.

Xavier stood there, feet planted wide, fists raised in a classic boxer's stance. His cybernetic enhancements hummed to life, lighting up his arms and chest like a high-tech Christmas tree.

The girl just... stood there. Relaxed. Casual. Like she was waiting for a bus, not about to throw down with a cyborg mercenary.

For a moment, they just stared at each other. The tension was so thick you could cut it with a knife – or in this case, a katana. Kazuo held his breath, waiting for the hammer to drop.

Then, like a coiled spring finally released, Xavier lunged forward. His enhanced muscles propelled him across the ground faster than any normal human could move. His fist cut through the air with a sharp 'whoosh', aimed straight for the girl's face.

But she wasn't there anymore.