The atmosphere in the arena shifted, the air heavy with a sense of impending doom. The clones, once a fluid and terrifying force, were now nothing more than stationary statues. Their lifeless bodies were scattered across the battlefield, their mission halted. But Carter knew, with a deep, primal certainty, that this was far from over. Elira was not one to be defeated so easily.
From above, Elira's eyes blazed with fury. Her serene composure had vanished, replaced with a fiery determination that sent a chill down Carter's spine. She raised both hands high, a surge of dark energy swirling around her like a storm. The ground beneath their feet trembled, and the arena seemed to warp in response to her power.
"You think you've won?" Elira's voice rang out, cold and merciless. "I am not some puppet you can simply control. You will regret ever challenging me."
Carter's eyes flicked toward Sera, who had already begun to make her way back to the group. She was no longer focused on the control panel but on the storm brewing above. "She's not done yet," Sera murmured, her voice tinged with concern.
"I know," Carter replied, his grip tightening around his blade. "We need to finish this. Now."
The ground cracked open beneath Elira as dark tendrils of energy shot up, wrapping around her in a vicious embrace. Carter's eyes widened as he realized what was happening. Elira wasn't just using her powers—she was drawing strength from the very arena itself, using it to fuel an even more dangerous force.
Kairo was the first to act, his heavy boots pounding the ground as he charged forward, his fists clenched. "We've come too far to back down now! Let's finish this!"
But before Kairo could reach her, the air crackled, and a massive wave of energy erupted from Elira's raised hands. The shockwave slammed into Kairo, sending him flying back, his body crashing into the far wall. The force of the blow left him unconscious, his body sprawled across the ground. Carter's heart skipped a beat. They couldn't afford to lose anyone now.
"Focus!" Ezra shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos. He was already back on his feet, his movements fluid as he avoided the deadly blasts of energy coming from Elira. "We need to take her down before she becomes too powerful!"
Elira's laughter echoed through the arena. "You think you can stop me? You are nothing compared to my power!"
The clones may have been neutralized, but Elira's control over the arena had grown to an overwhelming scale. The walls began to twist, bending like molten metal, and the platforms shifted unpredictably. A few clones, still standing and powered by Elira's rage, began to move again, but they were more powerful than before—infused with the very energy she was wielding.
"Everyone, stay sharp!" Carter barked, rallying the group. His mind raced as he watched Elira's movements, trying to decipher her next attack.
Sera's eyes met his. "We can't fight her like this. We need to disable her power source."
"I know." Carter nodded. "But we have to survive long enough to get close."
Suddenly, Elira's hand slammed downward, causing the arena's energy to shift. A blast of dark energy surged toward Carter, but before it could reach him, Sera stepped forward. She raised her hands, her own energy flaring as she intercepted the blast, the impact sending shockwaves through the arena.
"Not today!" Sera grunted, her body shaking from the force of the attack. She was struggling, but her eyes burned with resolve. "We need to move faster. We can't wait for her to exhaust herself!"
Ezra was already on the move, circling around to flank Elira while keeping his distance. "I'll try to create an opening. Just be ready to strike when I do!"
Carter nodded, his gaze locked on Elira. This was their last chance. If they couldn't take her down now, there might be no coming back from it.
But Elira had no intention of making it easy. With a wave of her hand, the ground beneath Carter and Sera began to shift, creating walls of jagged rock that shot up from the earth. The two were separated by the sudden barricade, and for a moment, it seemed like all hope was lost.
"Elira, stop!" Carter shouted, his voice cutting through the chaos. "This doesn't have to end like this. We can still—"
"You think I care about your words?" Elira's voice was icy. "I'm done with negotiations. This is the end for all of you."
The walls closed in, and Carter could feel the pressure building, the air thick with Elira's malicious energy. He had no choice. He had to act.
With a surge of adrenaline, Carter leapt toward the nearest wall, using his blade to carve through it. His muscles burned as he broke through, only to be greeted by a blast of energy from Elira, knocking him back. But Carter was no longer afraid. He had come too far to back down now. He could feel the presence of his team, their unspoken bond pulling him forward.
Sera's voice crackled in his earpiece. "Carter, I'm in position. Do it now!"
Carter nodded, focusing all his energy on the task ahead. He sprinted toward Elira, the arena around him a blur as he closed the distance. His heart pounded in his chest as he leapt into the air, his blade aimed directly at her.
But Elira was waiting for him. With a sneer, she raised her hand, and a massive energy barrier surged up in front of her. Carter's blade slammed against the barrier, sparks flying as the force of his attack reverberated through his body.
"Elira, this ends now!" Carter shouted, his voice full of determination.
With a roar, he pushed forward, pouring all his strength into one final strike. The blade collided with the barrier, cracking it with a resounding explosion. For a brief moment, everything went silent.
Then, with a blinding flash of light, the barrier shattered, and Carter surged forward, striking Elira with the full force of his power.