One became two. Two became four. Four became eight.All spinning around her in a deadly spiral.She came down like a meteor.All eight spears striking different points on the nearest Emperor Beast.SLASH. SLASH. SLASH. SLASH.The creature roared,a horrible, hollow sound.Its flame body split apart, dissolving.Mira didn't stop.Landed. Rolled. Came up running.Headed for the next one."”FLAME TECHNIQUE—PHOENIX SPIRAL DANCE!”"She spun, her spear becoming a blur of motion.Cut through the second Emperor's legs.It collapsed, flames sputtering.Third one lunged at her.She ducked under its massive claw."”FLAME TECHNIQUE—BLAZING LANCE THRUST!”"Her spear extended, ignited, became a pillar of fire.Punched clean through the creature's core.It dissolved.Fourth. Fifth. Sixth.She was moving like a whirlwind.Constant motion. Never stopping. Never slowing.Her spear cutting, thrusting, spinning.Each movement is precise. Deadly. Beautiful in its efficiency.Seventh. Eighth. Ninth.The Emp

"Plus, he knows techniques that most people have never even heard of. Secret Molten Clan methods passed down through generations."The third warrior,middle-aged, thoughtful-looking,shook his head."I don't know. I think Roderick would win."Both the others turned to stare at him."What?"The third warrior elaborated."Look, the Commander is experienced. I'm not denying that. But Roderick is from the academy. He's been trained by the best flame wielders in the realm."He paused."And more importantly,he's still in his prime. Peak physical condition. Peak flame control. Peak reaction time."His voice became more pointed."The Commander isn't. He's in his fifties. He's slowing down. His body can't do what it used to. I've seen him wince when he thinks nobody's looking. Old injuries bothering him."The first warrior looked thoughtful."That's... actually a fair point."The second warrior scoffed."Experience beats youth every time. The Commander would out-think him. Out-strategize him.""

Nothing but ash. Scattered. Harmless.Asta lowered his sword.The golden flames dissipating.He gazed at where they'd been."It seems they've exhausted their flame aura."His voice was analytical, thoughtful."The regeneration has limits. Once they run out of energy to sustain it, they stay dead."Roderick's voice came from nearby."Yeah. That's what it looks like."He and Yuki were walking toward Asta.Both looking tired but satisfied.Mira was also approaching from the other direction.Her spear back on her shoulder.All four converge in the center.Surrounded by ash piles. Bodies of defeated Emperors.The battlefield is quiet now except for their footsteps.Roderick looked at each of them in turn.His expression was warm. Proud."We all did a great job out here today."His voice carried genuine emotion."Thirty Emperor-class flame beasts. We took them all down. Working together. That's... that's incredible. That's the kind of thing people write legends about."Mira immediately perk

Meanwhile...Back in the Dark Realm.In a castle built from obsidian and shadow.The throne room was vast. Empty. Cold.Five massive thrones sat in a semicircle.Four still holding stone statues.One now holding a living figure,the Grand Master.Gull and the female assassin stood flanking the Grand Master.Both in their black cloaks. Both perfectly still.The Grand Master's voice echoed in the chamber."It's time."Just those two words.But they carried weight.A gray portal opened and web stepped through and walked forward calmly.He stopped in front of the Grand Master.Bowed his head low and then reached into his cloak.Pulled out the yellow Rare Flame Gem.Still glowing and pulsing gently. He held it out with both hands.Offering it.The Grand Master reached down.Took the gem.Held it up to the dim light and examined it.A smile crossed his shadowed face."Perfect."His voice was satisfied, pleased."Let's begin."He turned his head slightly."Gull. Go bring Hakuwa."Gull bowed.Tu

"We need five more to resurrect the others. Five more to complete the set."They moved through dark corridors.Lit only by dim blue flames along the walls."I brought you back first, Dero, for a reason."The Grand Master's voice carried weight now."I need you to take charge. To lead the effort in retrieving the rest of the Rare Flame Gems."He glanced at her."You were always a good leader. Strategic. Effective. Ruthless when necessary but controlled. That's why I chose to resurrect you before the others."Dero's expression was pleased, honored.They arrived in front of a large door.Ornate. Ancient. Radiating dark power.The Grand Master's private chambers.He stopped. Turned to face Dero and the three assassins."These three are my henchmen."He gestured at Gull, Web, and Kyx."They might be clumsy sometimes. They make mistakes. But they're competent. They get results."His voice became more commanding."You will work with them. Or in other words, they will work for you. They're un