*****
Clank—!
The sharp ring of metal against metal echoed through the dense, virtual forest.
Leaves trembled from the force of the clash, scattering in the artificial wind.
The faint glow of the VR interface flickered in the air, barely visible amid the intense combat unfolding beneath the towering trees.
A boy with short brown hair stumbled back, his sword barely holding against the overwhelming force of the strike.
His breath came in short, ragged gasps as he tried to steady himself.
"Hey! Stop it! Like we said—we're on your side! We formed an alliance!"
He shouted, desperation creeping into his voice.
His opponent—a tall figure with long jet-black hair—remained eerily calm.
His eyes were cold, calculating.
The way he held his sword showed no sign of stopping.
Swish—!