Echoes of Vengeance

The Battle Ignites

The echoes of gunfire and clashing steel signaled the beginning of Phase Two. Emjay's team, already hardened by the first wave of battle, braced themselves as reinforcements from the enemy side swarmed the battlefield. Smoke curled into the night air, illuminated by scattered explosions. The ground trembled beneath their feet, but none of them faltered.

Kai and Crimson stood back-to-back, fending off a group of skilled enemy soldiers. Crimson's sniper rifle cracked through the chaos, taking down opponents from a distance while Kai weaved through the battlefield, striking with his super speed-enhanced attacks. They moved like a synchronized force, anticipating each other's movements effortlessly.

"Think you can keep up?" Kai teased as he disarmed an enemy with a swift kick.

Crimson smirked, reloading his rifle with expert precision. "As long as you don't leave me behind, speedster."

Nearby, Kazuki and Leon fought side by side. Leon teleported in and out of the fight, striking enemies with quick, precise attacks while Kazuki provided cover fire with his rifle. When an enemy attempted to flank Leon, Kazuki swiftly intercepted, deflecting a blow and countering with a devastating shot.

"Thanks for the save," Leon acknowledged, breathing heavily.

Kazuki nodded, scanning their surroundings. "Don't mention it. Just focus on staying alive."

The battle stretched on, each duo working in harmony, their bond strengthening with every attack they executed together. But amidst the chaos, Bleaf found himself separated from the others. He moved with careful precision, his mind set on the fight ahead—until a chillingly familiar voice echoed through the battlefield.

Bleaf vs. Evena

"We meet again, Bleaf."

Evena's voice cut through the noise like a blade. She stood a short distance away, her violet eyes gleaming with something between amusement and bitterness. The air around her shimmered as subtle illusions flickered in and out of existence, warping reality at her whim.

Bleaf exhaled, tightening his grip on his weapon. "Evena."

She tilted her head, a smile playing on her lips. "Still looking as stubborn as ever."

He didn't respond with words. Instead, he lunged, his movements sharp and precise. Evena moved like a shadow, dodging gracefully while casting illusions that blurred the battlefield. The ground beneath Bleaf shifted, the world bending around him as she twisted his perceptions.

But Bleaf wasn't so easily fooled. Gritting his teeth, he activated his power, whispering a lie to himself—one that would become his reality.

"I have an iron arm."

The limb materialized, gleaming and solid. He charged forward, swinging with brutal force. Evena's illusions wavered as she dodged, her expression shifting from playful to focused.

"You've improved," she admitted, summoning a field of shimmering mirages to disorient him.

Bleaf tore through them, his determination unwavering. "I had to."

They continued their fight, exchanging blows, countering each other's strengths. Evena twisted the battlefield into nightmares, forcing Bleaf to relive past failures, his greatest regrets. But he pushed forward, breaking through each illusion with sheer willpower.

Then, as they clashed once more, she whispered, "Do you remember us, Bleaf?"

He froze for the briefest moment, and Evena took the opportunity to strike, knocking him back. He skidded to a stop, breathing heavily.

Evena's expression turned somber. "Before the traitor found me… we were in love."

Bleaf's grip tightened. "That was a long time ago."

"But do you remember how it ended?" she asked, stepping closer. "We fought. I accused you of something you never did. I was convinced you betrayed me, and I let my anger consume me."

Bleaf's heart pounded as old memories surfaced. The shouting, the heartbreak, the moment everything between them crumbled.

Evena continued, her voice darkening. "I was lost after that. And then, the traitor found me. He promised me purpose… and revenge."

Bleaf's breath caught. "Revenge?"

Evena smirked, but there was pain behind her eyes. "Lester took care of it for me. He kidnapped your younger sister. He forced you to join the enemy, knowing you had no choice."

A sharp pain stabbed through Bleaf's chest. He had suspected, but hearing it confirmed was worse than he could have imagined.

Evena's voice softened, almost regretful. "And while you were serving them… your sister was already gone. Lester had taken his revenge on you for me."

Rage ignited in Bleaf's veins. His iron arm tightened into a fist. "You let him do that?"

Evena's expression was unreadable. "I was blinded by my pain, Bleaf."

Silence stretched between them. Then, with renewed fury, Bleaf attacked. Their battle intensified, neither willing to back down. His iron arm struck hard, but her illusions made her movements unpredictable. Time passed in a blur—ten minutes, fifteen minutes—his energy waning.

Evena chuckled as she dodged another strike. "I guess I'll have the advantage sooner or later."

Bleaf panted, his iron arm flickering as it neared its time limit. But he gritted his teeth, pushing beyond his limits. "Maybe… maybe not."

For the first time, Evena looked slightly surprised as he maintained his ability beyond the usual seventeen-minute threshold. He refused to let it fade. Not yet. Not when he was fighting for his sister's memory.

They clashed one last time. Then, in a moment of brutal finality, Evena moved faster than Bleaf could react. Her blade found its mark, piercing through him.

Bleaf gasped, his iron arm dissolving into mist. He staggered, falling to his knees.

Evena watched him, her face unreadable. "You fought well," she murmured.

Bleaf coughed, blood staining his lips. But he smiled weakly. "At least… I fought for her."

With those final words, his body collapsed.

The Cost of Victory

When Emjay's team found him, their mission had been a success. But it had come with a price.

Crimson knelt beside Bleaf's lifeless body, his hands curling into fists. "Damn it…"

Kazuki exhaled sharply, turning away as Leon placed a hand on his shoulder. Even Yano, usually composed, wiped away tears.

Emjay's voice was steady but heavy. "We won the battle… but we lost a brother."

The team stood in silence, the weight of their loss pressing down on them.

No words could change what had happened. No victory could erase the cost of war.

They stood together, not in triumph, but in remembrance. And as the fires of battle still burned, Phase Two came to an end.

But the war was far from over.