˗ˏˋ ★ˎˊ˗

Being the last one standing in this round was nerve-wracking—especially with him hunting you down.

Sword.

You could hear it. The slow, deliberate scrape of his blade against the ground as he searched. The sound sent a chill up your spine, each metallic drag reminding you just how close he was.

“Where are they…?” he muttered, his voice laced with mild frustration. His eyes scanned the dimly lit area, but luck was on your side—for now.

You were barely holding on, your health dangerously low. All you needed was a few more seconds. A break. A chance to breathe.

But then—

He turned. Head tilting. His boots echoed against the floor as he stepped closer. Too close.

Panic shot through you as you instinctively crawled backward, desperate to put more distance between you and your pursuer. But then—thud.

Your back met cold, unyielding stone.

Oh no.

The air shifted.

From the other side of the wall, Sword exhaled a small chuckle. “So you were just sitting here all along, huh?” His voice carried an amused edge, his smirk practically audible.

Your heart pounded as his grip on his weapon tightened.

“Smart, hiding in a dark corner…” he mused, rolling his shoulders. “Buuuut—kinda ruins the mystery once I check here.”

There was an awkward pause before he sighed dramatically, as if this whole chase had been nothing more than a game to him.

Then—

FWIP!

His sword flared to life, a brilliant glow illuminating the darkness as he activated his Phinisher.

“Prepare yourself!” he declared, his stance shifting, the final strike moments away.