Shameless One

Despite Blade of Yin being the 99th complete ethereal arm, its strength is not to be underestimated. To be a complete ethereal warrior is to be among the top 100 strongest in all of Lordrixis.

The seven ascended warriors, strangers to each other, had only teamwork and strategy to rely on.

Everyone knew that victory was already within Silver's grasp before the fight even began. But a command is a command. 

"Fantastic, first lesson: get obliterated," murmured Leon, rolling his eyes in disbelief.

El followed, "We all know the difference between a complete class and an ascended class. The gap is impossible to conquer."

Cloudy and Jaylen had their heads down, thinking deeply about any prevailing possibilities. Vito seemed distracted, his hollow eyes filled with sorrow and untold stories.

But at this moment of despair, a clear voice broke the silence.

"There will be a way out. I've faced worse and endured," said Emilia Cylus, smiling confidently. "What's the worst that could happen? Even if we are destined to lose, let's fall with dignity and pride."

Shun stared at Emilia in disbelief. Within her, he saw a reflection of himself, but her heart was filled with hope and compassion, unlike his loathing darkness.

Vito, finally focusing on the discussion, declared, "I'm with Emilia. Even if victory is impossible, we might as well try our best. We will lose, but at least we don't lose anything... anything important." His voice trailed off, leading him back to his reminiscence.

"Exactly, there's no point in worrying about an undecided future. Despair is never the answer," Shun burst out. "We will do everything we can, anything we can."

Leon interrupted, "Fine, then listen to my plan. I've simulated thousands of possibilities. Maybe there's one dim hope of victory."

...

Ascended ethereal warriors Shun Xshasi, Jaylen Shielram, Leon Ermy, Vito Fool, Cloudy Adaire, Emilia Cylus, and El stood against the 99th complete ethereal warrior, Silver Iricson.

"Commence!" Lumiel declared, yawning lazily. "Don't go too hard on each other."

Leon Ermy was the first to move. His ethereal arm, a bracelet embedded on his left arm, shone brilliantly as a screen popped up in front of him.

"Blade of Yin, the sword representing femaleness and darkness, has three major abilities," Leon announced. "One, the cold and negative aura it gives off significantly debuffs all opponents. Two, its slashes are unpredictable and soft, able to demolish any intentions of blocking or dodging. Three..."

Before Leon could finish, Silver, with unbelievable speed and suddenness, struck directly at Vito, standing in front of the formation.

"The dexterity, precision, and armor penetration are unimaginably outrageous."

As Vito lifted his ethereal arm, Blade of Yin flickered into his body. But without hesitation, Emilia and El, glowing under Jaylen's buffing ability, launched a bombardment of projectiles at Silver, including mechanical missiles and distinct elements, causing a great explosion at the center of the arena.

Suddenly appearing behind Jaylen, Silver slashed directly at him. But a light appeared between them, quickly materializing into a barrier that countered her attack. The same type of light appeared above Silver's head, materializing into sharp weapons that fell like pouring rain.

Dancing in the rain of swords, Silver could easily deflect the mortal weapons, but suddenly, a calming and angelic music hindered her reaction. At that precise moment, a smooth liquid, previously shadowed by the sword rain, fell directly on top of her.

A bright flame lit up. With Shun's oil and his own wind element, El's fire spread like a ravaging monster.

On the other side of the arena, Vito stood up.

"Am I dead?" he shook his head.

looking around, Vito sighed with grief.

"Unfortunately not..."

Enveloped in his own blood, Vito's sword shone with a scarlet brilliance. Along with El's elements, Emilia's mechanical arms, and Shun's weapons, they struck the center of the fire simultaneously.

"Enough playing."

"Sunset Slash."

Silver's shadow emerged from the flame. At the moment the four ethereal warriors converged, her sword unleashed a dominant dark aura.

It was just a simple slash

A slash that turned everything into blackness. And everyone else fell to the ground.

"Leon Ermy, it seems your ethereal arm can't interpret everything," Silver smiled.

"Erm actually... it can," Leon stood up like nothing happened, patting the dust off his body, followed by the others. "Your arrogance and ignorance will be your downfall."

Shun, standing up behind Silver, aimed directly at her head. Silver dodged instinctively, but the dagger wavered itself onto the target anyway.

"Sneak attack..."

"Shameless," Silver murmured while falling.

"You call THIS shameless?" Shun shooked his head.

Jaylen complimented, "Wow, that dagger is really like another ethereal arm."

"Nah, it's just my imagination," Shun replied.

...

The next day

"From this battle, I've created a power ranking amongst you eight," Lumiel smiled. "As we all probably know, the duels between teams of ethereal warriors resemble a game of chess, with us reflecting the pieces."

"Specializing in offensive assaults, Emilia Cylus and El will be appointed as the rooks, ravaging the board with direct attacks."

Emilia and El nodded confidently.

"The supportive nature of Jaylen Shielram and Cloudy Adaire marks their position as the bishops, engaging in positional play and supporting the attacks carried out by the queen or the rooks."

Jaylen and Cloudy nodded happily.

"Leon Ermy and Vito Fool will engage in tactical and unpredictable plays, delivering surprising blows as the two knights."

Leon and Vito nodded, their expressions showing a mix of boredom and resignation.

"Shun Xshasi, the potential of your abilities outshines any normal ascended ethereal arms. Being infinitely close to a complete ethereal warrior, you will serve the role of the queen, the major piece guiding the attack."

Shun nodded, a hint of embarrassment coloring his features.

"Finally, Silver Iricson, being the only complete ethereal warrior, you will be the king, guiding the team with your dynamic strategies and tactics.

Silver, still upset about yesterday's loss, nodded in annoyance.