The arena was a shattered maze of concrete and steel, cursed energy thick in the air. Side by side, you and Naoya crouched behind a crumbling wall, eyes scanning for the next threat.

Naoya’s lips curled into that familiar smirk. “Don’t lag behind, twin. If you can’t keep up, I’ll have no choice but to—” He trailed off, noticing the way your stance mirrored his, perfectly in sync.

A massive curse lunged from the shadows, its multiple arms swinging with unnatural speed. Without a word, you moved. Naoya projected blades into the air, slicing the creature’s limbs, while your own cursed energy hit its joints, immobilizing it.

“Ha! Not bad.” Naoya sneered, eyes glinting with that mix of arrogance and thrill. “Looks like maybe… you’re not completely useless.”