A single strike

Harry exhaled heavily, his golden aura flickering weakly before it completely faded.

Lyla clenched her fists but eventually sighed, her Water Aura dispersing into harmless mist.

They both knew.

They had lost.

Max hadn't even taken a single hit.

Lyla gritted her teeth, her frustration evident.

"Damn it… I wanted to beat you alone."

Harry simply let out a tired chuckle.

"I told you it would end quickly."

Max smirked, dispelling the swords with a flick of his wrist.

"Well, at least you made me go all out—somewhat."

Lyla scoffed but crossed her arms.

"Next time, it'll be different."

Harry nodded in agreement, "Yeah, but next time, we'll be stronger."

Max grinned.

"Good. Then maybe next time, I'll actually have to try."

The battle was over.

They came down.

Max had won.

But—

There was no satisfaction in his victory.