"Cross-Sword Thunder Blitz!"
Ares invoked, channeling Mika's Signature skill but altering it with his own electrical prowess, generating a frenzy of charged blades aimed at Eris.
Crackle— Crackle—
Electricity crackled through the air as the blades zipped toward her in a flurry of electrifying strikes.
Zap— Zap— Zap
The charged blades hurtled toward Eris at incredible speed, aiming to engulf her in a torrent of electrifying strikes.
"Hm?" Eris scoffed, her stoic demeanor unshaken.
BOOM—
As Ares's attack connected, a deafening explosion erupted, shrouding the entire arena in a veil of smoke and debris.
Amidst the fading smoke, Ares discerned Eris's voice breaking through the remnants of the blast.
"Not bad," she calmly remarked, emerging unscathed amidst the lingering haze. Her sword, poised defensively, shielded her from Ares's attack, leaving scorch marks on the surroundings.
"But you lack the true essence of that skill," Eris critiqued, conjuring another sword into her grasp.
Intertwining her blades in a cross formation reminiscent of Ares's attack, Eris's demeanor shifted.
Shudder— Shudder—
The atmosphere transformed; wild winds howled, whipping debris into a frenzy. The ground trembled violently beneath their feet as if unable to contain the surge of power. Flames erupted around her swords, spiraling upwards in a vortex of searing heat, engulfing them in a scorching inferno.
!?
Ares widened his eyes in shock. 'How can she replicate my attack after witnessing it just once? —no, her power surpasses mine... It's the same as Mika's,' Ares mused, envisioning Mika's stance reflected in Eris's posture.
Lost in thought, Ares remained oblivious as Eris unleashed her fiery assault.
Swoosh— Swoosh—
The scorching blaze hurtled towards him, its intense heat warping the air and scalding everything in its path. Flames danced with an ethereal glow, an otherworldly luminescence that consumed the surrounding space with its ferocity.
"S-Shit!" Ares muttered, bracing himself for the inevitable impact.
KABOOM—
"...Don't underestimate it just because of its name," Eris countered, her expression darkening.
"You don't have to pretend to care by offering some random skill to me. I don't need your sympathy," Ares retorted dismissively.
"...Huh? Random skill, you say? Fine. What if I challenge you? Block this skill of mine, and I'll aid in freeing you from this illusion," Eris proposed.
A sly grin spread across Ares's face, hearing her. "...Sure then, bring it on."
"Very well. Try to evade, as I'd rather not witness you die here when you have so much left to accomplish," Eris stated, raising her right hand skyward. Her eyes began to glow, emitting a faint but discernible light.
Thudle— Thudle
Instantly, the once-clear skies darkened and dispersed, unveiling a colossal translucent golden sword looming overhead. It emanated an ominous aura capable of dwarfing even entities of SS-Rank or transcendent power.
...!?
'Haha, this is unbelievable. Is she even human?' Ares chuckled nervously, the sight of the massive sword bearing down on him unnerving.
Without delay, the sword surged toward him at a blistering pace, resembling a speeding meteorite.
Swoosh—
As it approached, the immense pressure pinned Ares in place. He fought against it, but the sheer force immobilized him, rendering his legs useless.
"Ugh!" The oppressive weight forced him down onto his knees, struggling against the overwhelming might.
"How do you plan to dodge when you can't even move?" Eris queried, her voice devoid of emotion.
'If he can't handle this much pressure, how will he fare against Them?' Eris pondered, her face impassive.
'Is she truly trying to end my life now?' Ares thought, gritting his teeth in response to Eris's cold demeanor.
"Don't assume I won't kill you. If you can't handle this, it's better for me to end you here than to let 'Them' seize the opportunity," Eris sighed, disappointment etched on her face as she shook her head.
However, amidst her dismay, she suddenly noticed a wide smile creeping across Ares's face.
!?
'...What? Why is he still smiling? Does he still believe that I lack the resolve to kill him?' Eris mused, perplexed by Ares's reaction.
Just as the sword neared its imminent collision, Ares muttered, "Swap!"
To be continued...