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The battlefield trembled as Yoshika's spear met Capitano's sword once more. Sparks and embers scattered like fireflies against the cold Snezhnayan air. Each strike was heavier, faster, filled with raw determination. Capitano was an unshakable force, but Yoshika refused to yield.

From the sidelines, Arlecchino watched closely, her expression unreadable. Columbina hummed softly, seemingly enjoying the spectacle.

Yoshika pivoted, ducking under Capitano's blade and sweeping her spear upward, flames bursting forth. He barely shifted in time, but the heat scorched the edge of his armor. Instead of retreating, he pressed forward, bringing his weapon down with immense force. Yoshika barely managed to block, but the impact sent her skidding back, her boots dragging against the snow-covered ground.

"You fight well," Capitano said, his deep voice cutting through the air. "But you're still hesitant."

Yoshika's grip tightened. She exhaled sharply, her breath visible in the freezing air. "You talk too much."

With a burst of Pyro energy, she dashed forward, her spear twirling in a blur of gold and crimson. She feinted left before spinning to the right, flames erupting as she struck Capitano's side. The attack landed, pushing him back slightly-just enough to make an impact.

A moment of silence stretched between them. Capitano studied her, his unreadable gaze locking onto hers. Then, to her surprise, he chuckled-a deep, amused sound.

"I see." He lowered his sword slightly. "You're different from before."

Yoshika blinked but kept her guard up. "What do you mean?"

Capitano tilted his head. "You've chosen your path. You're no longer bound by the past."

Kimika's presence still lingered in her mind, but Yoshika felt something shift inside her. She wasn't just Kimika's creation, wasn't just Celestia's tool. She was Yoshika.

She smirked. "Of course. I was always my own person."

Capitano nodded. "Then prove it."

The battle wasn't over yet. Flames reignited around Yoshika as she charged forward once more, ready to carve her own destiny.

"Let continue this battle in Snezhnaya."

"Gladly."
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𝖠𝖭 𝖭𝖮𝖳𝖤: 𝖧𝖾𝗁𝖾