Tears streamed down Xoza's face as he realized he was reaching his limit. His glowing aura—once blazing like a beacon of hope—now flickered and waned, slowly being devoured by the oppressive darkness. The shadow consumed everything around him, but Xoza's resolve remained, fragile yet unbroken.
Rome lunged forward, shattering the silence with a roar that reverberated through the hideout.
Rome: "THAT'S ITTT!!!"
He unleashed a flurry of brutal punches, each strike punctuated by a chilling yell.
Rome: "Just die!! Die!! Die!! Die!! You persistent bastard!!"
Xoza lay there, seemingly unmoving, as though he had succumbed to unconsciousness. Rome let out a sigh, muttering under his breath.
Rome: "He was one persistent bastard…"
On the sidelines, Vamos couldn't contain his grief. He collapsed to the floor, striking his head violently, sobs ripping from his chest.
Vamos: "You idiot! Why did you do that!? Was that for me!? Why are you such an idiot!! It's all my fault…"
Rome turned toward Vamos, intending to finish him, but Xoza rose once more. Bloodied, exhausted, and trembling, he planted his feet firmly.
Xoza: "Don't… you dare… touch him!"
Rome swung, landing a harsh punch into Xoza's core. His arms shook, vision blurred, yet he struggled to counter. Rome leaned back, delivering a vicious uppercut. Pain surged through Xoza's body, lungs burning, stomach twisting—but still, he remained standing.
Every strike that Rome delivered met resistance. Xoza's stance wavered, his body screaming in protest, but he refused to yield.
Rome (frustrated): "Just fall already!"
Another flurry of strikes rained down. Pain exploded in Xoza's joints and muscles, and finally, his knees buckled. He collapsed to the ground, whispering through gritted teeth:
Xoza: "Vamos… I'm sorry… I couldn't win… I couldn't protect you like you did…"
Vamos rose, his aura now cold, sharp, and focused. The grief in his eyes hardened into a weapon.
Vamos (coldly): "Is this… all because of me? Fine. Come at me, you sucker."
Rome faltered. The sheer emptiness in Vamos' presence—his aura devoid of fear, pain, or hesitation—sent tremors through him.
Rome (whispering, uneasy): "What?? What am I doing??"
He stripped off his jacket, the cold tension in the air thickening like ice.
Rome: "Let's do it."
Vamos (yelling, focused): "Come at me, you scum!"
The battlefield froze for a moment, charged with the impending storm—two titans about to collide.