*Boom!*
The explosion echoed through the air, sending white sand flying. It blanketed everything within a twenty-meter radius, reducing visibility to almost nothing.
Elaruk shielded himself from the swirling sand with his arm.
Moments later, the dust began to settle, and he could finally see what had happened.
"Leon?" His eyes widened in disbelief.
In front of him, Leon stood proudly, and the towering figure of Merzen was nowhere to be seen.
Leon glanced over his shoulder and gave a small, reassuring smile. "It's okay, Chieftain. Leave the monster to me."
Elaruk swallowed hard and slowly rose to his feet. He was about to speak, but a familiar voice cut in from behind.
"Father!"
Before he could react, Jasmine ran up and threw her arms around him in a tight embrace.
Relief surged through Elaruk. Moments ago, fear had gripped him—he hadn't seen Jasmine and had worried she might have been injured or attacked by Merzen.
