Terrifying shockwaves erupted across the floating island. Ruins collapsed. The ground cracked. Hard rocks shattered like tofu.
Chase and Acnologia were still fighting. Both were injured. Both were covered in blood. Multiple bones were broken.
But they did not stop. They kept punching.
A faint red mist hung over the battlefield. It was their blood, evaporated by the heat of their fast punches.
The Edo Chase team watched from the edge of the island. They were the only audience.
At first, they were shocked. They could not understand how humans could fight like that.
But as the fight continued, they accepted it. They were both monsters.
"He is so strong. The other world's Chase is amazing," Edo Bickslow said.
"I wish I could record this for Elfman-chan," Edo Evergreen said.
"Elfman-chan?"
"Yes! Punch him in the face, Chase!" Edo Laxus cheered.
Edo Chase felt embarrassed.
Why does he have to say my name?
The fight stirred something in him. His blood felt hot.
"Do not even think about it. You are far from that level. Try beating Lucy first," Edo Gildarts said.
"I was just thinking! And beating Lucy is impossible!"
"Get ready. The fight should end soon," Edo Freed said.
The sun had set. The moon was bright. Being so high up, the stars looked clear.
Chase and Acnologia threw their final punches. They hit each other in the face.
Blood and sweat flew.
They stood frozen for a moment.
Then, they both fell backward. They lay on the ground.
"Haha! That was great! I have not had a fight like that in a long time!"
Chase's face was swollen. His chest was bruised. His ribs were broken.
But he was smiling.
He had gotten a new card. From Edo Acnologia.
In his mind, a card glowed. It showed a black dragon. It had red gems on its body.
The red light made its dark wings and sharp fangs look even more fierce.
It was Gandora the Dragon of Destruction. The eight-star Dragon monster. Yugi Mutou's strongest ace. The "Table-Flipping Dragon."
A shadow covered his face.
Acnologia stood over him. He looked terrible. His eyes were dull. His face was cut. His teeth were broken.
"You are strong. Stronger than most Apostles of God. But I cannot die. You lose."
Chase looked up at him.
"Is that so? Are you sure?"
He was calm. "I am not alone. Old Black."
Old... Black?
Acnologia was confused.
Footsteps.
The Edo Chase team stood behind Chase. They were no longer afraid.
They barely knew him. They were far weaker. But they would not let a friend die.
"Friends..."
Acnologia looked at them. He remembered something.
He sat on the ground. He sighed.
"I have not heard that word in so long. I cannot die. But I am tired. You win."
"Ooh!"
Edo Laxus cheered.
"That was scary. I thought I would have to fight too," Edo Chase said.
Chase jumped up.
Everyone stared.
What?
He spat blood. He fell back down.
He was just showing off.
"You are both Chase. And you both like to show off."
Edo Evergreen opened her medical kit. She checked Chase's wounds.
Acnologia had removed his magic seal. They could use their tools now.
Edo Freed and Edo Bickslow helped.
They offered to treat Acnologia. He refused. He said he would heal on his own.
"Old Black. You are human, are you not? Not a black dragon."
Chase looked at him. "Where does your immortality come from?"
Black dragon?
Acnologia was confused. He did not understand.
He knew Chase was not like the others. He was not an invader.
He nodded.
"I absorb the life force from Face to keep my body and will from dying."
***
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