Sheena’s anger surged fiercely, unleashing a powerful aura as she struck the steel door. The force of the blow dented the metal, and the door rattled on its hinges. Without hesitation, she kicked it open, revealing the chaotic scene inside the arena. Luna rushed to Andrew’s side, worried by his bloodied and battered state, while also noticing Wilder’s ghostly pale and trembling condition, indicating severe internal injuries despite fewer visible wounds.
Luna’s concern deepened as she realized both Andrew and Wilder were barely holding on, each in critical condition after their brutal fight. Determined to finish the battle, Sheena stepped forward with lethal intent to end Wilder’s life. Wilder, though enraged, showed a flicker of fear toward Sheena, recognizing her as a formidable and ruthless opponent who had already reached the rare second realm of martial emperors.
Despite his injuries, Andrew insisted that the fight remain between the men and urged Sheena to stay out of it, unwilling to accept help or shame himself by losing with interference. Wilder acknowledged Andrew’s strength but warned that their conflict was far from over, promising a future showdown. Andrew, confident yet battered, vowed that next time Wilder would be the one to die.
The tension between the fighters highlighted the stark contrast between Sheena’s brutal reputation and the fragile state of both warriors. Wilder’s fear of Sheena was rooted in her deadly history, where she had effortlessly killed a martial emperor who underestimated her. This looming threat kept Wilder cautious, knowing any wrong move could be fatal with Sheena present.
Sheena’s anger intensified, a fierce storm brewing within her. With a clenched fist, a dark, swirling aura erupted around her, crackling with raw power. She slammed her fist against the steel door, the impact creating a huge dent that sent the metal trembling violently. The entire door rattled on its hinges, threatening to come loose. Her expression remained icy and unreadable as she muttered under her breath, “Let’s go.”
Without hesitation, Sheena stepped forward and delivered a powerful kick. The already bent steel door buckled inward with a thunderous crash, revealing the chaotic scene inside the arena in full view.
“Andrew! Are you alright?” Luna’s voice quivered as she rushed forward, reaching out to steady Andrew, who was barely managing to keep himself upright. Blood poured down Andrew’s face, smearing and distorting his features so much that it was difficult to tell whose it was—his or Wilder’s.
“Answer me! How do you feel? Do you need medical help?” Luna asked urgently, her voice trembling with worry.
Andrew forced a weak smile, trying to reassure her. “Don’t worry… I’m not dying.”
Those words finally eased some of the tension in Luna’s chest, and she quickly shifted her gaze to Wilder. The sight that met her eyes shocked her deeply.
Wilder didn’t appear as battered as Andrew. Apart from the blood staining his lips, his body showed no obvious wounds. Yet, his face was ghostly pale—like death itself had claimed him. What unsettled Luna even more was the sight of the once-mighty martial emperor trembling on his feet, barely able to stand. He seemed on the verge of collapse, swaying dangerously.
This unexpected sight threw her off balance. She had feared Andrew might lose—or worse, die—in this brutal fight. But now, it seemed both warriors were hanging by the thinnest of threads. Andrew was seriously injured, no doubt. But Wilder was in no better shape. Luna could sense the severity of the internal damage he was suffering. He dared not move, knowing that even the slightest misstep could cause his entire body to give out.
“Since things have come to this, I’ll finish what Andrew started,” Sheena declared as she strode forward with deadly intent. It was clear she had no hesitation about ending Wilder’s life.
Wilder’s face twisted with rage. “Does the Lloyd family really have no fear of making enemies everywhere they go?”
Sheena laughed coldly. “Enemies? Please. The Lloyds don’t fear anyone. And do you honestly think the Lloyd family is afraid of the Murphy family?”
A bead of sweat trickled down Wilder’s forehead. For the first time, a flicker of fear appeared in his eyes. He wasn’t afraid of Andrew, but Sheena was an entirely different matter. Even at her peak, she could have taken him down without breaking a sweat. Though both were martial emperors, Sheena had ascended to the second realm—a rare feat. Beyond her immense power, what made her truly terrifying was her ruthless nature, a chilling anomaly among martial emperors.
“Wait—don’t touch him,” Andrew rasped, coughing as he finally spoke.
Sheena turned sharply, frowning. “What now? He bullied you, and I’m just helping you get your revenge. Fair enough, isn’t it?”
Ignoring Sheena, Andrew gently pushed Luna aside and limped toward Wilder, his brow furrowed in pain. Yet his voice was steady, filled with unwavering determination. “This is a fight between men. The women shouldn’t interfere. If I can’t defeat him, that’s on me. So, Sheena, please stay out of this. I can’t bear the shame otherwise.”
Wilder exhaled shakily, though his teeth remained clenched. “Andrew, I’ll admit I couldn’t kill you. You have the strength to face me. But this isn’t over. One day, we’ll settle this properly.”
A faint smirk crossed Andrew’s lips. “Next time we fight, it’ll be your death. You felt it too, didn’t you? I may not be a martial emperor yet, but when I stand against you, I’m no weaker. Our battles will always end in a draw—or with both of us dead. Just give me a little more time, and next time… you’ll be the one who dies.”
Wilder’s expression darkened as he glanced toward Sheena, uncertain of what to do next. If she remained silent, he knew better than to make a move.
Stories about Sheena’s fearsome reputation in Chetvine haunted him still. There was the infamous incident when she had punched a martial emperor straight through the chest just because he mocked her, claiming she was afraid. She warned him that if he turned his back, he would lose. He did, and she killed him without hesitation. Back then, Sheena had only just reached the martial emperor level. Even now, Wilder had no doubt that if he so much as looked at her the wrong way, he would end up like that arrogant fool—dead before he even realized what hit him.
Conclusion
The chapter closes on a tense and emotionally charged moment, where strength and pride intertwine with vulnerability and respect. Andrew’s determination to face his enemy on his own terms reveals a deep sense of honor and courage, even in the face of severe injury. Meanwhile, Sheena’s fierce loyalty and overwhelming power underscore the unyielding spirit of the Lloyd family, while also highlighting the dangerous consequences of crossing them. The complex dynamics between these characters—marked by rivalry, fear, and unspoken understanding—create a gripping atmosphere that leaves the outcome hanging in a delicate balance.
At its core, this chapter explores the themes of resilience, honor, and the brutal reality of power struggles. The emotional undercurrents—fear, anger, and a grudging respect—drive the characters forward, even as their bodies betray their limits. It is a poignant reminder that battles are fought not only with strength but with will, and that true courage often means standing firm when everything else threatens to crumble. The unresolved tension promises that this confrontation is far from over, setting the stage for future challenges and deeper revelations.
What to Expect in Next Chapter?
Tensions reach a boiling point as the aftermath of the brutal confrontation leaves both Andrew and Wilder on the brink of collapse, their bodies battered but spirits unyielding. The fragile truce forged in the heat of battle is shadowed by unspoken threats and simmering rivalries, especially with Sheena’s relentless determination to finish what was started. Her presence alone casts a chilling pall over the arena, promising that the conflict between the Lloyd and Murphy families is far from over.
In the next chapter, expect to delve deeper into the complex dynamics between these formidable warriors and the fierce loyalties that bind them. Andrew’s insistence on facing Wilder alone hints at a pride and code of honor that may soon be tested to its limits, while Wilder’s mixture of fear and fury suggests a brewing storm that could reshape their destinies. As emotions run high and power struggles intensify, the question remains: who will emerge victorious when the dust finally settles, and at what cost?