Youth and Thavas's weapons clashed at blinding speed, the sheer force of each strike sending shockwaves through the cave. Youth and Thavas moved like phantoms, their forms blurring with the intensity of their duel. Sparks flew as their blades met, illuminating the cavern in brief flashes of light.
With a final, decisive strike, Youth's spear smashed through Thavas's sword, shattering it into shards that scattered across the stone floor. In the same motion, Youth drove the butt of his spear into Thavas's chest, leaving a deep, X-shaped wound. Thavas staggered back, blood dripping from the wound as he clutched his chest.
"Impossible…" Thavas muttered, his voice barely audible.
Elsewhere in the cave, Vriede and Galleass were locked in a brutal hand-to-hand brawl. Both were bloodied and exhausted, their movements slowing as the fight dragged on. With a fierce roar, Vriede summoned the last of her strength, landing a devastating punch that sent Galleass crashing to the ground, unconscious.
The sounds of battle faded as Schneizal, Sequana, and the others regrouped near Youth. Their faces were a mixture of relief and awe as they took in Youth's transformed appearance, the blue cross in his glowing eye and the energy radiating from his form.
"Youth!" Schneizal called out, his voice breaking the silence.
Youth's gaze turned to them, his expression unreadable as he slowly reverted back to his Grade 2 form. His breathing was ragged, and sweat dripped from his brow.
"Woah…" Schneizal breathed, staring at Youth in amazement.
Youth planted his spear into the ground for support, his body trembling slightly.
"I don't know what that was," he said, his voice low but firm.
He turned his glare back to Thavas, who had fallen to his knees.
"But you… you will tell me everything."
Thavas managed a weak smile before collapsing onto the ground, unconscious.
Near the other side of the cave, Clarence stumbled through the rubble and found himself face-to-face with a recovering Lefteris. The scythe-wielding commando scowled, his eyes narrowing.
"You…" Lefteris growled, pushing himself upright.
"Guess I'll kill you now."
Before Lefteris could act, a spear shot through the air, impaling his hand and pinning him to the cave wall. Lefteris let out a pained cry, his scythe clattering to the ground.
Schneizal stepped forward, his eyes cold and unwavering.
"Kid!" Schneizal called, motioning Clarence toward him.
Trembling, Clarence hesitated before rushing into Sequana's arms. She wrapped him in a comforting embrace, her voice soothing.
"It's alright, kid. You're safe now."
From the shadows, Thavas appeared, carrying the unconscious Galleass over his shoulder. His expression was weary and defeated, his steps unsteady.
"We lost, guys," Thavas admitted, his voice barely above a whisper. "I'm sorry."
Youth's eyes burned with resolve as he stepped closer.
"We're leaving now," he declared.
"I'll handle your greedy general myself."
Nearby, Cypria stirred, her eyes fluttering open. She groaned and sat up, her gaze immediately landing on Algos and Gondikas. Her voice was sharp and filled with venom.
"Traitors…" she hissed, glaring at the two.
The group began their exit, leaving the battered commandos behind. The sound of their footsteps echoed through the cave as they ascended toward the surface. Thavas watched them go, a weak chuckle escaping his lips.
"Well, I'll be damned," Thavas muttered, leaning against the wall for support.
"He's strong… damn strong."
The remaining commandos exchanged frustrated looks, their defeat etched into their faces. Lefteris seethed silently, his pinned hand trembling with fury. Cypria clenched her fists, her expression dark. The weight of their loss hung heavy in the air as the cave fell silent once more.