The air seemed to vibrate, alive with the residual charge of Elektra’s electricity and the simmering weight of Sabir’s fury. Sparks still danced across the chamber surface, a faint echo of her power, but Sabir’s focus was unshakable. His chest heaved, each breath a battle against the fatigue gripping his body. His limbs felt like lead, the toll of his earlier fight with Frederick sapping his strength, but deep within him, a stubborn fire burned.


    He closed his eyes for a fleeting second, his mind grasping for the last shreds of his willpower. The raw energy of his aura pulsed in response, igniting a dull glow that surrounded his battered frame. His hands clenched into trembling fists, the veins in his arms bulging as he channeled everything he had left into one final act of defiance.


    Sabir’s teeth clenched, a guttural growl rising in his throat as he planted his feet firmly on the ground. Every muscle in his body coiled, taut like a spring. The aura within him intensified, shifting from a dim flicker to a fierce, almost blinding radiance.


    With an animalistic roar that echoed through the cavern, Sabir exploded into motion. His legs propelled him off the ground with such force that the air seemed to ripple in his wake. The strength of his leap sent small fragments of stone skittering across the chamber floor, and the dull hum of his aura grew into a roar, vibrating through the very air.


    For a moment, it felt as though time itself had slowed. Sabir’s body twisted in midair, the movement precise despite his exhaustion. His momentum carried him higher, his form a blur against the dim light of the dungeon. From above, he could see the faint flicker of realization in Elektra’s eyes.


    She was fast, impossibly so, but even she couldn’t react in time. Her head snapped upward, and for the briefest of moments, her usually cold and confident expression faltered.


    Sabir’s leg came down in a devastating arc, his heel aimed squarely for her head. The energy surrounding him burned hotter as gravity took hold, his descending form a force of nature. His aura blazed brighter, the impact of his attack promising nothing less than destruction.


    By the time Elektra moved, it was already too late.


    Elektra’s sharp eyes widened for only a second, as she saw Sabir’s descending form, a blur of motion and raw energy. The glow of his aura bore down on her, illuminating the determination etched across his face. That flicker of surprise vanished almost instantly, replaced by a hunter’s instinct honed over years of combat. She moved with precision and speed, her body reacting before her mind fully registered the danger.


    Her arms shot upward, crossing above her head in a defensive stance. The motion was fluid, deliberate, her muscles taut as steel. The timing was impeccable—her forearms met the full force of Sabir’s attack just before it could land on her head.


    The collision was cataclysmic. Sabir’s heel crashed into her guard with the weight of his entire body behind it, the aura surrounding him flaring on impact. A deafening boom reverberated through the chamber, the sheer force of the strike creating a shockwave that rippled outward. The displaced air sent loose debris skittering across the floor, forcing those watching to step back and shield their faces from the sudden burst of energy.


    Electricity erupted around Elektra’s arms in a dazzling display, her innate power reacting violently to the intrusion of Sabir’s aura. Sparks flew in every direction, sizzling as they struck the cold stone walls. The sharp crackle of energy clashing with energy filled the air, a sound that seemed to resonate in the bones of everyone present.


    Elektra gritted her teeth as the force of the blow drove her back slightly, her heels scraping against the ground as she fought to maintain her footing. Pain lanced through her arms, the sheer power of the strike more than she’d expected. She could feel the strain in her muscles, the sting of resistance as her electricity met Sabir’s aura head-on.


    Sabir’s leg trembled from the effort of the attack, but he pressed down with every ounce of remaining strength. The clash was more than physical—it was a battle of wills, both combatants refusing to yield.


    Elektra’s voice, low and biting, broke through the crackling hum of energy. “Is that all you’ve got?” Her eyes narrowed, the corners of her lips curling into a taunting smirk despite the strain evident in her stance.


    The sparks around her arms intensified, a warning that she was far from finished. Sabir dropped back to the ground, his chest heaving, the power in his body clearly waning. But the defiant look in his eyes remained, as if he wasn’t done either. The tension between them hung heavy in the charged air, ready to ignite once more.


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    Sabir dropped to the ground, his breathing ragged. His legs felt like lead, and his muscles screamed in protest. It was clear to everyone watching—he had poured the last of his strength into that attack. The fight with Frederick had drained him, and now he was running on fumes.


    Elektra stepped closer, her eyes narrowing as she loomed over him. Her smirk twisted into a sneer. “Say hi to that whore of a sister for me.”


    Sabir’s head snapped up, his vision blurring with rage. The insult was like a knife to his chest, twisting deep and igniting a fury he could barely control. He let out a guttural scream, fists clenched and trembling.


    Before he could act, Zabo stepped in front of him, placing a firm hand on Sabir’s chest. “Enough,” Zabo said, his voice low but commanding.


    The tension was suffocating, the air heavy with anger and unspoken words. But then, cutting through the thick atmosphere like a blade, came an unexpected sound—a sharp slap.


    Everyone froze.


    Elektra staggered back, stunned, her cheek red from the impact. She turned slowly, her eyes wide as she stared at the person responsible.


    Warren stood there, his hand still raised. His face was a mix of anger and disappointment, and his voice was steady as he said, “Drop it, Elektra.”


    For a moment, Elektra looked... lost. The cold fire in her eyes dimmed, replaced by something vacant and hollow. She took a step back, her body stiff, as if the slap had not only struck her face but her very pride.


    The silence was deafening until Maize’s voice cut through, trembling with emotion.


    “I’ve had it with you people!” she yelled, her words tumbling out in a rush. Tears glistened in the corners of her eyes, her usually calm demeanor shattered. “Every single time, I try to be a good hunter, but you guys ruin everything! I didn’t even want to go to this damn dungeon, but my mother forced me to! And now, instead of focusing on survival, you’re all busy trying to kill each other like idiots!”


    Her voice cracked as she gestured wildly, her frustration boiling over. “We’re in the middle of a freaking dungeon, where at any moment, something could pop out and kill us! But no, let’s waste time squabbling like children! I’m going to pull my hair out! I’m hungry, I want to take a shower, Violet’s missing and, most importantly, I want to go home!”


    The room fell into stunned silence. Even Zabo seemed to sense her distress.


    Warren walked over to her, placing a comforting hand on her shoulder. Maize crumpled into him, her sobs muffled against his chest as she clung to him like a lifeline. Violet continued licking her face, eliciting a faint, tearful laugh amidst her breakdown.


    Meanwhile, Elektra remained motionless, her face expressionless as she turned away from the group. Without a word, she walked toward the edge of the chamber, her cold indifference leaving a chilling void in her wake.


    Warren gently eased Maize into a seat before turning back to Sabir and Zabo. His face was a storm of conflicting emotions as he approached them. “What the hell was that all about?” he demanded, his voice low but sharp. “I thought we were supposed to look out for each other.”


    Sabir forced himself to his feet, his body swaying slightly. He scowled, glaring at Warren with a mixture of defiance and anger. “Figures,” he spat, “the noble defends his sister.”


    Warren’s expression darkened. His fists clenched, sparks of electricity crackling around his hands. “So this is all about revenge, huh?” he said, his voice rising. “What, you want to kill my whole family? Does that include me too, Sabir? Tell me! Do you want to kill me?”


    Sabir’s gaze hardened, his words slicing through the air like a dagger. “Yeah. If that’s what it takes.”


    The words hung in the air, heavy and venomous. Warren’s face twisted in shock and anger. “Fuck you, you asshole,” he said, his voice breaking slightly as he turned and stormed off, the crackling electricity around him leaving faint scorch marks on the ground.


    Zabo watched him leave, running a hand through his hair in frustration. “Wait, Warren—ugh, dammit.” He turned to Sabir, his expression torn between disbelief and concern. “You don’t actually mean that, right?”


    Sabir’s jaw tightened, his fists trembling at his sides. “I had everything taken from me by that bastard’s family,” he said, his voice low and seething. “Are you telling me I’m wrong to feel this way?”


    Zabo sighed, shaking his head. “No, man. Listen, you saved my life. I owe you. I’m here with you to the end. But, c’mon, threatening your friend? That’s not—” He paused, searching for the right words. “That’s not how we survive this.”


    Sabir’s voice grew defensive, his anger flaring again. “I’m walking alongside that bitch and Maize. They’re not my friends, but I have to work with them to survive. So what, I can threaten them, but not Warren? Why? Because he’s my friend?”


    Zabo stared at him, exasperated. “No, man. That’s not—” He groaned, pinching the bridge of his nose. “Forget it. I don’t even know what to say to you right now.”


    Before either of them could continue, Maize’s voice rang out, sharp and filled with irritation. “You two, come here right now!” she shouted, standing with her hands on her hips. “If you don’t, I swear to God, I’m feeding you to one of my pets!”


    Sabir and Zabo exchanged a glance, their unspoken words hung between. But neither dared test Maize’s patience. With reluctant steps, they followed her, their unspoken conflict lingering like a storm cloud ready to break.