Zephyr's gaze shifted forward, his attention drawn to the mysterious figure approaching him. Unbeknownst to him, while engrossed in conversation with Kagami, the masked man had steadily closed the distance between them.

         Doesn’t matter... I’ll just blast ‘em away! Zephyr thought heftly. With a firm grasp on his essence, he tapped into the energy coursing through the ground, igniting it with thunderous might.

         Flashes of yellow and gold erupted from the air, swirling around like delicate flakes. Zephyr propelled himself forward at an astonishing speed, his eyes widening with exhilaration, and a wide grin spreading across his face.

         As the wind whipped around him, Zephyr's longsword swung back, aided by the force of nature. This motion served as a precursor to his imminent strike.

         The masked man ahead emitted a hearty chuckle, genuinely impressed by Zephyr's unnatural swiftness, surpassing even Kagami's abilities.

         “COME ON, JOADIA!” The masked man's voice echoed with excitement, hoping to witness Zephyr's true strength.

         “You bet’cha!” Zephyr bellowed back, his voice filled with determination.

         He lunged forward, his blade arcing in a hook, his arms propelling the strike towards the man's upper torso.

         Yet, the masked man seemed unfazed, almost nonchalantly disregarding the attack.

         The grasslands reverberated with electricity, crackling and snapping, imbuing the air with an electric charge. Dust danced in the air, creating an ethereal backdrop to their clash.

         Amidst the chaos, Zephyr couldn't help but release a few lighthearted chuckles as he gazed up at the imposing figure before him. "You're a freak, haha," He playfully remarked.

         Despite the deep wound inflicted upon him, the man appeared unaffected, blood trickling from his waist like a gentle rain.

         “You’re right~ That blade doesn’t affect me…” The man's words trailed off, fueling Zephyr's anticipation. In a swift motion, the man drew back his arm, and Zephyr readied himself for what was to come.

        “AT... ALL!”

         Suddenly, a surge of shadows enveloped Zephyr, encasing him in a swirling cocoon.

         In the shrouded realm, haunting voices echoed in his ears, filled with despair and terrified noises.

         Growling with determination, Zephyr focused his gaze on the masked man, driving his blade deep into the ground to anchor himself.

         With one hand released, he snapped his fingers, a flicker of electric yellow mana dancing at his fingertips.

         The mana surged, his arm swung back, the energy intensifying and expanding, accompanied by muffled booms resonating within the shadowy domain.

         Zephyr summoned all his strength and unleashed a powerful thunderbolt towards the man, the sound of the strike echoing through the village like a raging thunderstorm in the night sky.

         The man was heavily amused, he heard of Zephyr Joadia as the slacking, non-serious knight, but here he was, battling evenly!

         A sinister giggle escaped the man's lips as he manipulated his shadows, creating a ball of darkness that drew closer into his hands, enveloping the space between them.

         Zephyr watched in wonder as the man merged the shadows into nothingness, leaving him puzzled and on guard.

         Why’d he stop? What else does this guy got up his sleeve? Zephyr grumbled under his breath, taking a step back cautiously.

         “What’s up, man?! Why’d ya st–”

         Zephyr swiftly swung his blade upward with incredible force, the sound of metal tearing through flesh reverberating loudly.

         His heart raced, unsure if the last few seconds were even real. The man seemed to have teleported in front of Zephyr's eyes, a display of speed he had never witnessed before. It was unnerving, making Zephyr desperate for an escape.

         Kagami was right… He’s way stronger than he looks...

         Zephyr turned his head, glaring at the man who met his gaze with a small, toxic smile. “Surprised?” The man taunted with a sinister voice.

         Zephyr quickly regained his composure and swiped his longsword to his hip, assuming his stance once more, “I dunno what you’re talkin’ about!” He said with a nervous grin.

         “You’re interesting, Zephyr…” The man approached with a casual walk, his tone sly and intriguing.

         “Fast, funny, and you’re not even insufferably mature like your brother.” He remarked.

         Zephyr's eyebrows furrowed as he leaned forward, preparing for an imminent clash.

         “I enjoy your presence. Join the Fullcrest, leave that stupid lie that is knighthood behind, I know ya want to!”

         Zephyr chuckled, speaking up a few seconds after, “You’d be wrong! I like bein’ a knight, very nice life. And plus, why would I choose your style over one I’ve known for years?”

         Zephyr’s voice suddenly dropped to a lower, more serious one. “... And even then, if the Fullcrest is doing shit like this, I’d never want to join.”

         The man appeared somewhat surprised, maybe even disappointed. However, he simply shrugged it off, waving his arm dismissively. “So sad... I hope that in another timeline, you joined and we became best buddies…” The man's voice dripped with a tinge of regret.

         “But, unfortunately, this isn’t one of those timelines!”

         With a swift and almost imperceptible step, the man lunged toward Zephyr, his arm threatened to pierce through his defenses in an instant.

         But, this quickness and fast-paced battling filled Zephyr with an indescribable joy, the thought of winning this great battle and becoming known as the knight who saved Prince Eldryn alongside Kagami was not an opportunity he’d miss!

         In a split second, Zephyr's blade deftly slid through the man's attack, finding its mark on the lower arm, slicing through the skin and drawing blood. 

         However, the man's relentless assault continued, as he grabbed hold of Zephyr, hurling him with tremendous force into a chaotic mass of stones and rocks.

         Crashing deeply into the unforgiving ground, Zephyr's body was barely shielded by the armor, which began to peel off with each passing second.

         Dazed and disoriented, Zephyr looked up, his arm raised, channeling his mana to lift and shift the earth, creating an opening through which he could escape.

         But before the hole could fully form, the man practically materialized right beside him, his sudden presence sending a shiver down Zephyr's spine.

         Wide-eyed, Zephyr found himself snatched by the neck, trapped in an iron grip that threatened to sever his head at any moment.

         The man's arm shot upward, propelling Zephyr high into the sky, his body soaring through the air like an eagle in flight.

         As he floated amidst a hazy and disorienting vision, the man predictably reappeared next to Zephyr in an instant.

         Reacting with instinctive haste, Zephyr unleashed a powerful blast of energy from his legs, propelling him forward with incredible force.

         His kick connected with the man's chest, sending him hurtling toward the ground with an earth-shattering impact. 

         The ground erupted violently, sending debris flying in all directions, as if the very earth itself recoiled from the immense clash.

         Zephyr collapsed onto his chest, the impact sending shockwaves of pain through his body.

         His armor, once pristine, now laid in tatters, small fragments crumbling away with each labored breath he took. 

         Slowly, he rose to his feet, his movements weakened and shaky.

         Blood trickled from the corner of his mouth as he coughed, his body aching from the relentless assault.

         “Holy... That was… Crazy.” He huffed, with a grim exhaustion, he reached down and retrieved his longsword, its blade deeply embedded in the ground next to him.

         Zephyr tore off pieces of his torn and battered armor, casting them aside. The right shoulder piece and the hip guards fell away, showing the bruises and cuts that marred his skin.

         Despite his injuries, he wore a defiant grin, refusing to let the pain dampen his spirit.

         “ZEPHYR!” A voice called out to him from afar. It was a worried, but deep voice.

         Zephyr turned his head, his eyes locking with Kagami's. His brother, weakened but relieved, approached him slowly.

         “Hey, bro..!” Zephyr called back, closing the distance between them and placing a hand firmly on Kagami's shoulder.

         Kagami's gaze fell upon the state of Zephyr's armor and body, the bruises and damage evident.

         “Are you okay?” He asked, his voice laced with genuine concern.

         “Juuuust peachy.” Zephyr responded with a comical touch, crossing his arms and grinning.

         The worry in Kagami's eyes deepened as he asked the next question. “Did you kill him?”

         Zephyr hesitated for a moment, uncertainty flickering in his eyes. "I... Think?" He finally replied, holding himself still as he allowed Kagami to assess his injuries.

         "Alright... You're fine," Kagami reassured him, his voice filled with relief. "Let's go to the village and get some help. We're both ba–"

         “ZEPHYR!!! DID YOU REALLY THINK I’D DIE SO EASSIILLY!?” A voice screamed out in a maniac.

         Zephyr growled, his frustration mounting as he turned his head towards the source of the voice.

         With Kagami by his side, he took a determined step forward. "Shit... Of course he's still alive," He muttered.

         Though the man was still a considerable distance away, about 200 meters, but Zephyr knew that he would close the gap in mere seconds.

         Kagami glanced to Zephyr, “Be on gu–”

        The man was already there.

         Zephyr's heart raced as he saw the masked man grab Kagami's head and swiftly blast away, zipping through the dense forest and smashing Kagami's skull into the unforgiving dirt and rock.

         Determined not to lose sight of them, Zephyr dashed forward, his legs propelled by desperation and his body crackling with thunderous mana.

         The intense battle had taken its toll on both Zephyr and Kagami, their mana draining rapidly. He knew they had to escape from the dire circumstances they found themselves in.         

         But what of the village? Zephyr asked himself in an echo, his mind raced as fast as his body, and when he caught up to them, he witnessed Kagami engaging in a fierce sword fight with the masked man.

         With a quick and decisive motion, Kagami snapped his index and middle finger up, channeling his wild mana into a blazing inferno that engulfed the forest. The flames locked on to the zooming man and shot towards him with relentless fury.

         Not to leave his brother alone, Zephyr surged next to Kagami, his palms clenching and separating, summoning lightning that crackled and danced between them. With precise aim, he unleashed the lightning like a bullet, merging it with the fire to create a dangerous and destructive combination.

         Fire and thunder was a dangerous combo anyone would want to avoid, and the man knew so.

         The masked man swiftly evaded the first blaze of fire, contorting his body to dodge the thunderous strike. As he landed, his leg slammed into the ground, cracking it with a jolt of power, blasting him towards the brothers with astonishing speed.

         “QUICK!” Zephyr shouted, raising his blade in a defensive stance. Kagami mirrored his action, bracing himself for the impact that the man was about to unleash upon them.

         The collision sent them hurtling out of the forest, crashing into the unforgiving dirt and rising again in a chaotic flurry.

         Zephyr skidded across the rough terrain, his gaze shifting to Kagami, who staggered to his feet.

         "He's fast," Zephyr muttered, his voice filled with a mix of admiration and concern.

"I know," Kagami weakly responded, full of exhaustion. "And he's incredibly durable."

         Kagami fixed his gaze ahead, his eyes locked on the approaching figure. A sense of urgency filled the air as the man steadily closed in, his pace unhurried yet determined. 

         He grimaced and looked back at Zephyr, “We’ll have to fight together, as one.”

         "Like we used to?" Zephyr's voice rang out, quick and resolute.

         "Yes," Kagami affirmed, his voice steady. "Be ready."

         Zephyr crouched low, a surge of power coursing through his veins.

         Kagami planted his blade firmly into the ground, his hands coming together in a resolute clap. As he did so, a spark of flames crackled in the air.

         With a swift motion of his longsword, Zephyr's feet ignited with a dazzling display of lightning, golden arcs of energy enveloping him.

         In a burst of speed, Zephyr propelled himself forward, bridging the gap between him and the approaching figure in mere moments.

         A mischievous grin played upon Zephyr's lips as he met the man's fury of strikes, expertly parrying and blocking each one. The clash of steel on flesh filled the air, the sound reverberating like a haunting melody.

         –But despite the blood that spattered across the battlefield, the man remained unfazed, as if pain were an insignificant concept to him.

         Behind Zephyr, a searing heat approached, its intensity growing with each passing second. Sensing the impending danger, Zephyr swiftly ducked back, narrowly evading the blast of flames that erupted towards him.

         But the same could not be said for the man himself, who bore the full brunt of the fiery assault, bolting through the air and crashing into the desolate rocky plains.

         With a chance for an opening, Zephyr's feet once again crackled with electricity, propelling him forward with the force of thunder.

         As he closed in on the man, a barrage of flameballs hurtled towards him by Kagami, threatening to engulf him in their fiery embrace.

         Undeterred, Zephyr swung his sword in a graceful arc, slicing through the air with unparalleled precision.

         The man's fingers and waist, once thought to be impenetrable, gave way like soft butter, eliciting a pained growl that resounded through the battlefield.

         The man's arm, like a mighty tempest, descended upon Zephyr, causing his chestplate and waist armor to crumble under the sheer force, shattering as if made of fragile glass.

         And then, the man charged a fist.

         Uh-oh. Zephyr thought weakly.

         But just as the man prepared to deliver the final blow, Kagami's flames erupted, swirling around the man's back like a cloak of blazing inferno, a mesmerizing dance of fire and fury.

        But... The man didn’t stop.

         He absorbed the searing flames as if they were a source of empowerment, his roar of anger and triumph reverberating across the land, his battle cries echoing through the mountains like a haunting melody.

         Zephyr's ears were assailed by the deafening symphony, the cacophony of battle drowning out all other sounds. In an instant, he found himself catapulted through the air, his body tumbling and crashing mercilessly onto the ground, leaving a trail of destruction in his wake.

         Each impact inflicted a new wave of agony, the pain accumulating with every bone-jarring collision.

         Through the haze of torment, Kagami's figure streaked past his vision, a fleeting glimpse of resilience amid the chaos. 

         The intense agony coursing through Zephyr's body served as a grim reminder of the impending devastation awaiting him.

         The impact was imminent, and the ensuing collision sent shockwaves through his entire being.

       The ground yielded begrudgingly, crumbling under the force of the collision, Zephyr found himself ensnared within the tumultuous embrace of its disintegrating hold.

       The pain that followed was not just physical; it transcended the boundaries of imagination, an indescribable agony that painted the edges of his consciousness in hues of searing torment.

      But he had to keep fighting.

       With a resounding battle cry that pierced the chaos, Zephyr rose from the wreckage that threatened to engulf him. He emerged from the shattered ground, his body battered and broken, but his spirit stronger than ever.

       His gaze fell upon Kagami, locked in a fierce struggle against the relentless onslaught of the man.

       Deep within his heart, Zephyr understood the magnitude of the pain his brother endured, a pain that transcended the boundaries of comprehension. While Zephyr himself was no stranger to the suffering, it was evident that Kagami had exhausted his mana reserves, his final flame balls serving as a testament to the depletion of his mana.

       The grim reality loomed before Zephyr. The harrowing truth was undeniable: only one of them would emerge from this battle alive. Zephyr accepted this haunting truth, but he refused to accept Kagami as the one to fall.

       With a surge of unwavering determination coursing through his veins, Zephyr charged forward, his longsword crackling with the raw power of thunder and lightning.

       For the first time, he harnessed the full might of his thunder, channeling it into his blade, transforming it into an instrument of pure devastation.

       As he brought the sword down, a bolt of lightning, fierce and brilliant, descended upon the earth with a resounding crack, its pulsating energy rippling across the entire region.

       The sheer force threatened to shatter the very fabric of reality, an awe-inspiring display of power that held the potential to obliterate everything in its path.

       Exhausted and battered, Zephyr's strength waned, his body collapsing to his knees, his vision blurred by pain and exhaustion. 

       His body was ravaged by weakness, rendering him unable to stand.

       “Zephyr..!” Kagami's voice trembled as he desperately slid across the dirt, rushing to his brother's side.

       “Ka.. Kagami?” Zephyr spoke, his vision already blurred and fading.

       The man was nowhere to be found, deceased, disappeared or fleed, it didn’t matter to Zephyr. What mattered was Kagami’s and the village's survival.

       “You’re hurt.. Badly! We’ve got to go to the village!” Kagami screamed, his voice cracking with vulnerability rarely seen.

       “I... I can’t..” Zephyr gasped, blood seeping from his wounds with each harsh breath.

       Mana exhaustion had kicked in, and it was kicking in hard. It drained Zephyr to the uttermost, and if he moved, he’d just collapse.

       “Please..! Zephyr, please, we have to go!”

       “Kagami... I.. I can’t feel my legs, I can’t feel anything.”

       Those words struck Kagami like a thunderbolt, and tears streamed uncontrollably down his face.

       The tears seemed endless, intermingled with sobs of sorrow and anguish. Kagami lowered his gaze, clutching Zephyr tightly in his arms.

       “No…! No, no, no! Please!” Begged Kagami.

       This time, Zephyr remained silent, his weakened body no longer able to respond.

       Life began to fade from Zephyr's eyes, replaced by visions of beauty and warmth. In his hazy vision, Kagami stood as his great, older brother.

       Regrets were absent from Zephyr's heart.

       He protected Eldryn, the carriage driver, the entire village… And Kagami.

       He embraced the prospect of an honorable death, one that would etch his name into the annals of legend.

       No part of this did he not like…

       Except for…

       “Xion…” Zephyr's voice was weak, barely a whisper, as he spoke to Kagami, who had buried his face in Zephyr's bloodied chest.

       “Xion..?” Kagami responded, his voice trembling with emotion.

       “Please… I won’t have time to raise him, so…”

       “Take care of him, okay...?”

       Zephyr fell silent, his body suddenly gaining weight as he slouched in Kagami’s arms.

       “Zephyr…?”

       “Zephyr…?!”

       “ZEPHYR, PLEASE!”

       “... Please, don’t leave me…”