P89 - Duo-Soul Redemption

The sniper's rifle whirred as its barrel extended, a glowing magic circle forming at its mouth. Energy-condensed, brighter and heavier than anything it had fired before.

With a thunderous crack, the shot was unleashed. The beam tore forward like an execution approaching its next victim, a roaring projectile of light and destruction.

Rumoto and Kaide braced themselves, raising their weapons and channeling their power to shield the others. But before the wave could consume them, Para ran into their side and shoved them violently away. Tyrant, Jin, and Zamy dove forward, pushing the rest of the group away just in time.

The beam tore through empty space, obliterating everything in its path. A gaping hole ripped through the arena wall, revealing the scorched horizon beyond. The blast left behind a smoking trail of fire and ash that stretched endlessly into the distance.

Everyone froze, the horror setting in. Gem's eyes quivered, her hands trembling against her staff. "That probably killed many... anyone caught in that line... we can't let it fire again." Her voice cracked. "But we're not strong enough to stop it."

The sniper adjusted its stance, preparing to fire again. The glowing circle flared, but before the energy could gather, the figure twitched. Its head snapped to the side, then its whole body shifted, combusting violently.

A heartbeat later, the ground where it was standing erupted, sandstone and dust shattering into the air. The arena floor split open, smoke and shards flying as if something had clawed reality itself apart.

Moments before...

In the dark void where their spirits lingered, Blaidd stood beside Rikushi, hand-in-hand. Their bodies seemed weightless, yet their burdens pressed heavier than ever. The lady--whom was shrouded before, now stepping into the light--finally revealed herself.

"So... you're Mister K," she said softly, almost amused.

Rikushi blinked. "Who?" ((Writer's Note: 'Asked.'))

"You'll learn soon enough," the lady replied, her smile faint, but noticeable.

She stepped closer, her presence radiating both gloom and calm. "I assume you both understand the risks. This is the point of no return."

Rikushi and Blaidd exchanged a look, silent but unified. Without hesitation, they both closed their eyes.

The lady raised her hands, placing one palm against each of their chests. Her touch burned like fire yet chilled like ice, searing into their veins. "Then let's begin, with the grand finale

She exhaled sharply and shoved them backward into the void. Their bodies cracked with light as red and blue flared through their veins like molten-lightning. The void twisted, their souls pulled from the inside-out, their bodies reshaped by forces neither mortal nor divine.

"You have 10 seconds of unlimited power..."