Luna urgently reassured Andrew that she and Ms. Lloyd would not stand by passively during the intense confrontation. Her calm determination brought Andrew some relief as he sensed support arriving in the tense moment. Andrew then addressed Sheena and Ms. Phelan, warning them not to get involved, while signaling Wilder to make his move, emphasizing his desire to settle the matter without dragging innocent family members into the conflict.
Wilder, fueled by rage and a desire for vengeance, declared his intent to inflict a fate worse than death on Andrew, especially since Sheena had threatened his family. Without hesitation, Wilder launched a fierce and rapid attack on Andrew. Despite the overwhelming power and higher rank of Wilder, Andrew fought back with sharp instincts and relentless energy, engaging in a brutal, close-quarters battle that quickly became bloody and exhausting for both.
Outside the arena, Sheena and Luna watched the fight with growing anxiety. Luna expressed her desire for Andrew to emerge completely unharmed, revealing her deep concern and personal feelings for him. She admitted to liking Andrew for who he truly was, which surprised Sheena, who noted Luna’s usual solitary nature and lack of ties to the Lloyd family. Luna explained her involvement stemmed from her affection for Andrew and asked Sheena to keep her feelings a secret, indicating she was not ready for Andrew to know the truth.
The chapter ends with a mix of tension and emotional complexity, highlighting the fierce battle unfolding inside and the quiet, protective loyalty and affection developing between Luna and Andrew outside the fight.
A tense voice broke through the charged atmosphere—Luna’s, filled with urgency yet controlled. "Andrew, don’t worry. Ms. Lloyd and I won’t just stand by and watch this unfold." Her words carried a quiet determination that seemed to momentarily ease the tight knot in Andrew’s chest.
Relief washed over Andrew as he realized Luna had hurried off to bring Sheena into the situation. The weight of the confrontation felt a little less daunting with allies nearby.
Taking a steadying breath, Andrew addressed Sheena, his tone calm but firm. "Sheena, Ms. Phelan, this isn’t something you need to get involved in." His eyes flicked back to Wilder, who stood poised and ready. "Mr. Murphy Senior, when you’re prepared, make your move. Every grievance has its reason, every debt its debtor. Let’s settle this here and now. You have my word—I won’t let the rest of the Murphy family be dragged into this. I never intended to harm the innocent."
Wilder’s eyes burned with a fierce crimson glow. "At first, I only wanted to kill you to avenge Benny. But now… I want you to endure a fate far worse than death." His voice was low and venomous. "That madwoman, Sheena, had to come and threaten my family. Since you’re connected, don’t expect any mercy from me."
Without another word, Wilder let out a roar and surged forward with blinding speed, leaving a trail of afterimages behind him as he charged at Andrew.
Andrew barely lifted a hand before a powerful force crashed into him like a tidal wave, sending his body hurtling backward. Just as it seemed he would slam into the wall, he planted a strong kick and propelled himself upward.
In midair, Andrew unleashed a rapid series of leg strikes, each blow landing solidly against Wilder. He had abandoned his Inferno Strike—knowing it was futile against someone of Wilder’s caliber—and instead relied on sheer willpower and the depth of his internal energy.
Their clash became a raw, primal battle—each attack savage and unyielding, targeting vulnerable points with precision and ferocity.
Despite Wilder’s higher rank, Andrew’s battle instincts were sharp, and he refused to give his opponent any opening. The one area where Andrew struggled was the sheer volume of true energy coursing through Wilder’s core—it was overwhelming.
Blood spilled quickly as the fight escalated, both men pushed to their absolute limits.
Outside the arena, Sheena and Luna watched anxiously on the screen, their faces tense with worry.
Luna fidgeted nervously, breaking the silence. "Ms. Lloyd, when are you going to step in?"
Sheena clenched her jaw, her voice low and resolute. "The Lloyds don’t gang up on one man. At least, I wouldn’t help Andrew double-team Wilder. But like I said, if anything happens to Andrew, Wilder won’t just walk away."
Luna’s voice was urgent. "I don’t want that to happen. I just want Andrew to come out of this completely unharmed—from start to finish."
Sheena gave her a curious look. "You seem even more worried than I am."
Nodding without hesitation, Luna didn’t try to hide her feelings. "Of course, I am. I’d rather be the one who gets hurt than him. If you want to know why… I’ll admit it—I like Andrew. The man he is beneath it all, that Andrew."
Sheena’s eyes widened in surprise. "You’re General Turman’s student, right? From what I know, you’ve never had any ties to the Lloyd family. Our intelligence shows you’ve always been a lone player, avoiding entanglements. So why would you get involved with Andrew of all people, and…"
Before she could finish, Luna cut in decisively. "You mean why I would risk myself and get involved? I already told you—I like Andrew. Otherwise, why would I have gone to the Lloyd family estate to bring you here? Ms. Lloyd, no matter what happens inside, when Andrew comes out, I want you to keep this between us. I’m not ready for him to know how I feel."
The chapter closes on a charged moment of fierce confrontation and unspoken emotions, where loyalty and courage intertwine amid the chaos of battle. Andrew’s resilience against Wilder’s overwhelming power reflects not only his physical strength but the depth of his resolve to protect those he cares about. Meanwhile, Luna’s quiet confession reveals a tender vulnerability beneath the tension, adding layers of complexity to the relationships at play.
In this crucible of conflict and hidden feelings, the characters stand at the crossroads of their destinies, bound by unyielding determination and fragile hopes. The chapter leaves us with a poignant sense of anticipation, reminding us that even in the darkest struggles, the heart’s quiet truths can shine through, shaping the path ahead with both courage and compassion.
The next chapter promises to plunge deeper into the intense battle between Andrew and Wilder, where raw power and unyielding determination collide. As their fight escalates, the true extent of their strengths and vulnerabilities will be revealed, testing not only their physical limits but also their resolve. The emotional stakes rise alongside the violence, hinting at consequences that could ripple far beyond the arena.
Meanwhile, the complex dynamics between Sheena, Luna, and Andrew simmer beneath the surface, adding layers of tension and unspoken feelings. Luna’s confession opens a new window into her character, suggesting that personal loyalties and hidden emotions may soon influence decisions in unexpected ways. The delicate balance between protecting Andrew and confronting Wilder’s wrath sets the stage for compelling developments that will challenge alliances and reveal deeper truths.