Kaizen stepped forward with measured confidence, his eyes sharp and focused.
Crawford's expression flickered, a mix of calculation and wariness.
"Ito Xius," Crawford said, his tone dismissive, "don't overthink this. Just do what you're supposed to do. Whether you live or die is entirely up to you."
Ito Xius glanced sideways at Crawford, his expression unreadable.
As Kolossim prepared to teleport to Kaizen and Ito Xius, the latter suddenly retreated sharply.
Crawford stepped into the teleportation position, locking eyes with Kaizen. A small, self-assured smile played on his lips.
In Crawford's mind, this was the perfect plan. Kaizen, while not weak, was far from a top-tier fighter. Facing Ito Xius, who was already severely injured, might allow Kaizen to wear him down further. Even if Ito Xius managed to defeat Kaizen, the effort would leave him too drained to pose a threat to Dominica.
And should Crawford himself face Kaizen, the fight would be trivial—an effortless victory with no meaningful loss of energy.
But just as Crawford and Ito Xius switched positions, a sharp sound interrupted them.
Clap!
Behind Kaizen, a figure clapped their hands together. In an instant, Kaizen and Ito Xius vanished from their positions, replaced by Dominica.
Dominica now stood opposite Crawford in the arena.
Crawford's expression froze, his earlier confidence evaporating. Across from him, Ito Xius's face lit up with undisguised relief.
This turn of events was, in Ito Xius's view, the best possible outcome.
If Dominica faced him directly, he'd almost certainly die. But now, with Crawford and Dominica squaring off, the odds shifted. Either Crawford would kill Dominica, or Dominica would eliminate Crawford. In both scenarios, Ito Xius would benefit.
"Dominica," Crawford muttered, his voice tinged with frustration.
Dominica, on the other hand, was calm, her gaze steady.
"Let's begin," she said simply.
The tension in the air thickened as the battle commenced.
Compared to previous matches, this clash was on an entirely different level. Both fighters were far stronger, their techniques sharper, their Nen mastery more refined. The intensity of their blows reverberated through the arena.
Kaizen observed intently, his eyes fixed on the ring.
The movements of high-level Nen users were both an education and a source of inspiration for him. Every attack, every defense, was a lesson he absorbed like a sponge.
Beside him, Wendy stood with visible concern etched across her face.
Dominica had already endured two grueling battles, and while she'd had some time to recover, her stamina and aura reserves were far from optimal. Crawford, on the other hand, was the most formidable member of the Eagle Squad.
The battle raged on, the arena floor crumbling under their relentless attacks. Both fighters bore deep wounds, their breaths coming in ragged gasps.
With one final clash, the two combatants were flung apart, each landing on opposite sides of the ring.
For a moment, silence blanketed the arena.
Then, slowly, a figure rose.
Wendy's eyes lit up with hope. "Dominica!"
Dominica staggered toward Crawford's fallen form. Gathering the last remnants of her aura, she channeled it into her fist and struck.
Boom!
The blow landed with brutal finality. Crawford's body twitched once before falling still, lifeless.
As Dominica stood victorious, a faint glow enveloped her. Moments later, she reappeared in the players' area.
Ito Xius's gaze shifted to Crawford's lifeless body, his thoughts racing.
"Crawford is dead," he muttered under his breath. "But that doesn't mean I've lost."
Ito Xius's confidence grew as he analyzed the situation.
"Dominica's spent," he thought. "She can't fight anymore. Those two kids—Kaizen and Wendy—they're no threat to me. I've recovered enough during the last round. This is my chance."
He clenched his fists, determination blazing in his eyes. "I'll win this. No matter what."
As the countdown began for the next match, Kaizen stepped forward. Opposite him, Ito Xius prepared himself.
"Kaizen, you've got this," Dominica said, her voice steady despite her injuries.
She turned to Wendy. "Give him the necklace."
Wendy nodded and hurried over to Kaizen. From around her neck, she removed a delicate necklace and gently fastened it around Kaizen's neck.
"This is a Nen tool," Dominica explained. "Not particularly powerful, but it might help."
Kaizen touched the necklace, feeling its warmth against his skin. A faint floral scent lingered in the air, calming and invigorating him at once.
"Thank you," Kaizen said, his voice resolute.
Two beams of light enveloped Kaizen and Ito Xius, transporting them to the arena.
The final battle was about to begin.
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