#1

Mai's gradually released her grip on Z's throat, her anger fading slightly as she realised her mistake, confronting the #1. But just as her grasp loosened, Z slipped from her grip with astonishing speed, evading her reach before anyone could react, not even Aiden. Time itself appeared to slow as he moved, creating an illusion of frozen moments. Instantly, he closed the distance and without hesitation, Z seized Mai's head and slammed it forcefully into the ground.

The impact echoed with a crash, leaving Mai barely conscious and creating a crater in the soil. Before she could even move a muscle, he lifted her by her head, completely overpowering her.

Ash seemed to teleport, dashing next to Z. Intervening, Ash flicked Z with his finger, Z desperately tried to dodge but as Ash's finger finally came in contact with Z's body, Z was propelled at lightspeed, hurtling through the air and crashing against an wall. Blood trickled down his lip and Magic surged from his core, cleaning the dust on his clothes and the blood on his face.

A smirk pulled at the corner of Z's mouth, a hint of familiarity in his voice as he addressed Ash. "Always the killjoy, aren't you? Ruining my fun."

His voice had a hint of sarcasm as he continued, "And that overpowered ability of yours—you really should stop using abusing it. It's annoying."

The tension in the air seemed to scatter completely.