The ground was painted red.

  Each breath Luiz took sounded like iron being forged.

  Every step left trails of crimson steam in the air.

  Langris Beika, Nightmare Number 0, advanced with blood-stained black claws.

  — So that’s how it is… how about using a sword, then?

  His own blood condensed in the air, taking the shape of a living blade, forged with nightmare mana.

  The crimson number in his pupil burned like a profane star.

  — You’re nothing but flesh now, — he growled. — I’ll shred that sense of dominance radiating from you.

  But something changed.

  From the keychain at his waist, the tiny heart-shaped spear shone bright red.

  Arlec spun through the air, scattering sparks like blood-stained confetti.

  — MY KING! MY KING! THE STAGE IS SET! LET’S SET THE WORLD ON FIRE! HAHAHA!

  Luiz’s body trembled.

  The crimson aura exploded like liquid fire — alive, pulsing, insane.

  His red hair burned, steam rising from his skin.

  In the center of his eyes, two blazing hearts appeared.

  And the smile… the smile was that of a jester born from fury.

  — Ah… so that’s the “Cups in Flames.” — Langris murmured, spreading his arms. — But against magic… you don’t stand a chance.

  He raised his hands.

  Black runes spread across the air.

  Dozens of blood-swords formed — cutting the sky, descending like a profane rain.

  The ground quaked.

  But Luiz did not retreat.

  He twirled the spear, laughter echoing between pain and ecstasy.

  — You think some half-baked spell can stop me?!

  The crimson aura roared — and devoured everything.

  The blades dissolved into vapor the instant they touched the living fire.

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  The air reeked of iron and burned flesh.

  The red glow spread like a solar mantle.

  — DOMINAE! ABSOLUTE DOMINION!

  The world held its breath.

  Luiz’s aura took shape — a living wall, dense and suffocating.

  Langris trembled.

  Luiz smiled.

  — DOMINION OF THE KING OF CUPS!

  Thunder echoed.

  His hair whipped under the aura, eyes marked by a scarlet heart.

  Smoke drew the joker’s emblem across his face.

  — You spoke of a crown, right?

  — But who said a lion needs one?

  Langris’s legs gave out.

  “I won’t kneel!” he thought in despair.

  But his body disobeyed.

  The aura crushed him, forcing him down.

  Fear took form.

  — N-No… THIS IS FEAR?!

  — IMPOSSIBLE! I’M A NIGHTMARE!

  — WHY… WHY AM I AFRAID OF THIS HUMAN?!

  Luiz raised the spear, eyes glowing like embers.

  — When a man’s heart ignites… even monsters tremble.

  Arlec cackled, hysterical:

  — YES, MY KING! SHOW HIM WHAT IT MEANS TO LAUGH WHILE BURNING!

  Langris roared, hurling spears of dark mana.

  Luiz cut through them all — body in flames, grin blazing bright.

  The crimson spear trembled in his hands.

  The aura spiraled upward, touching the heavens.

  The ground quaked. The walls shook.

  And then Luiz roared:

  — HEART! CRIMSON FURY THRUST! BLAZING SPEAR!

  The strike split the world like thunder.

  The impact was divine — stones cracked, wind tore apart.

  The spear pierced Langris’s chest.

  The number 0 flashed one last time… then vanished.

  His body split, black smoke escaping.

  His heart exploded.

  Langris fell to his knees.

  — Damn you… Cups… Luiz…

  And turned to ashes in the wind.

  Luiz breathed heavily.

  He trembled — then laughed.

  — Hahaha… looks like the mage lost to the warrior.

  From the formation, Kátia broke rank and shouted:

  — LUIZ!

  She ran to him, tears in her eyes.

  — You’re going to die, idiot!

  He smiled, spitting blood.

  — I’m fine… just a light workout. And why did you leave formation? I told you not to be impulsive.

  — Kátia:** Don’t be stupid, they’re holding just fine — it’s almost over there!**

  She held him, desperate.

  — You’re covered in wounds! You’re burning up!

  — Hehe… I’m hot with embarrassment.

  — Now’s not the time for jokes, idiot!

  He laughed weakly.

  — Yeah… but the Cups never fall. Haha.

  His body swayed — but stayed upright.

  Arlec twirled in the air, laughing:

  — THE CURTAIN CLOSES, LORDS AND LADIES! BUT THE KING… THE KING STANDS TALL!

  And as the sun broke through the clouds, Luiz raised the spear one last time.

  Heart blazing.

  Eyes on the horizon.

  The Cups did not fall.

  The Cups won.

  End of Chapter 36