Aku remained silent, his breathing measured, barely a slight energy flow running through his remaining Azoth tentacles that still faded. His body was relaxed, but each muscle ready to react if necessary.
Antony stood up with effort, adjusting his uniform and retrieving the rose from his pocket, casting Aku a look combining respect with frustration.
"You look too confident," he murmured. "But at least... it was fun."
Aku only observed him an instant and then turned on his heels, without saying anything, letting Antony process the defeat.
Bīng Xuě ran toward him, patting his back enthusiastically.
"That was incredible!" he said, jumping from side to side. "You didn't hold back at all, right!"
"I controlled enough," Aku responded, his tone neutral, but a slight gleam of satisfaction crossed his gaze.
Gerald, adjusting his glasses once more, sighed and crossed his arms.
