I categorically reject the notion that I would kidnap little girls. I also reject the idea that I would lose to them!

The fluorescent lights of the underground arena flickered to life, casting an eerie glow over the cold, damp concrete. Mile and Myne exchanged worried glances, their faces pale beneath the harsh illumination. They had been kidnapped by the notorious organization, NineSwords, and now found themselves forced to participate in a death match.

As they stood back-to-back, a holographic display flickered to life before them. A cold, robotic voice echoed through the arena, “Welcome, contestants, to the NineSwords’ Death Match. You will fight until only one remains. The survivor will be granted freedom, while the loser… will be deleted.”

Mile, still clad in her school uniform, cracked her knuckles in a gesture of determination. “I’ve been in tough spots before. I can handle this.”

Myne, her eyes wide with fear, clutched her precious book to her chest. “I-I won’t let you win, Mile. I have to protect my books, my research… everything!”

The arena’s doors slid open, and a figure emerged from the shadows. His eyes gleamed with a manic intensity as he cracked his knuckles, a cruel smile spreading across his face. “Let’s begin. I’ll show you the true meaning of pain.”

The opponent, a tall and lean figure with jet-black hair, charged towards Mile. She leapt forward, her movements a blur as she unleashed a flurry of punches and kicks. However, her attacks seemed to lack their usual potency, as if her abilities had been suppressed by some unseen force.

Meanwhile, Myne rummaged through her book bag, producing a small, leather-bound tome. She flipped through the pages, her eyes scanning the contents with a desperate intensity. As she read, her eyes lit up with a fierce determination.

“Mile, wait!” Myne called out, her voice carrying across the arena. “I think I found a way to—”

The black-haired opponent landed a lucky blow, sending Mile crashing to the ground. As she struggled to rise, Myne seized the opportunity. With a swift motion, she pulled out a small vial of ink and began to write.

The words on the page seemed to shimmer and come to life, taking the form of tiny, glowing orbs that swirled around Myne. The opponent, caught off guard, stumbled backward as the orbs enveloped him.

Mile took advantage of the distraction to regain her footing. With a fierce battle cry, she launched herself at the opponent, her fists flying in a blur of motion. Myne continued to write, her words weaving a complex pattern of magic that bound the opponent, limiting his movements.

As the battle raged on, it became clear that the two girls had formed an unlikely alliance. Mile’s brute strength and Myne’s magical prowess proved a formidable combination, slowly but surely whittling down the opponent’s defenses.

In a final, desperate bid to turn the tide, the opponent summoned a massive, glowing sword. However, Myne was prepared. With a few swift strokes of her pen, she conjured a wall of magical barriers, deflecting the sword’s blow.

Mile seized the opening, delivering a crushing kick that sent the opponent crashing to the ground. As the dust settled, the holographic display flickered to life once more.

“And the winner of the NineSwords’ Death Match is… Mile and Myne, joint victors!” The arena’s doors slid open, and a figure cloaked in shadows approached them.

“Congratulations, girls. You’ve proven your worth. As per the rules, you are free to go.”

As they emerged into the bright sunlight, Mile turned to Myne with a grin. “Thanks for the assist back there. I owe you one.”

Myne smiled, her eyes shining with a newfound confidence. “Anytime, Mile. After all, a bookworm’s got to have some tricks up her sleeve.”

Together, the two girls walked away from the arena, ready to face whatever challenges lay ahead, side by side.