What? Linda's eyes widened. Everything's slowed… so how is he faster than that?
In the next instant, he was behind her.
She barely turned before his elbow slammed into her back, sending her stumbling forward. She coughed blood, the pain searing through her ribs. Before she could recover, Asta stepped in close and struck her jaw with a controlled blow, forcing her head to snap back.
"I know what it means to lose," Asta said softly, almost regretfully. "You shouldn't have chosen this path. You're an elf—one of the most beautiful and graceful beings in the world. To see that beauty covered in blood… it's sad."
He sighed, lowering his sword slightly. "You were strong, Linda. But I was stronger."
Then, with a swift motion, he brought the hilt of his blade down on the back of her neck. Linda's body went limp, her vision fading as darkness swallowed her. She fell silently to the arena floor.
"The winner is Asta!" the emissary declared.
