---
Elena moved first.
The moment her new Mid-Rank God power stabilized, she crossed the courtyard and struck Stephen head-on. Their fists collided with enough force to send a shockwave through the already damaged Iron House estate. Broken stones lifted from the ground, several cracked windows shattered completely, and the weaker fighters nearby were forced to retreat from the center of the courtyard.
This time, Elena did not move backward.
Stephen did.
His feet slid across the broken stone before he stopped himself.
Elena looked at him with blood still covering part of her face.
"Now we are the same rank."
Stephen's expression became serious.
Sofia and Natasha did not give him time to answer. They attacked from opposite directions, forcing him to divide his attention between three opponents. Sofia used blood weapons and restraints whenever Stephen tried to create distance, while Natasha stayed close enough to attack the openings Elena created.
