"The fight's over," Aaron Callum muttered with satisfaction, noting the classic pose signaling the end of a duel—fighters standing back-to-back, weapons or hands at their sides. It was a pose he'd seen countless times in tournaments and battles, a display he admired.
He stood up and clapped his hands. "Well done, Dancing Blade. That was a feast for the eyes! I'll reward you grea–"
However, his words halted abruptly as Dancing Blade collapsed, eyes rolled back, blood pooling around him.
The kid turned to Aaron, a cold smile on his face. "Why not give me the reward instead?"
"This can't be!" Aaron's eyes widened. "You! You defeated my best fighter? A 2nd-Step Qi Condensation Stage? But you're just a kid!"
"A kid? Who told you I was just a kid?" Apollo smirked, glancing at Mahika, whose body was still covered in bandages. "I told you—I'm the Personal Disciple."