Hiroshi, his consciousness fading as his mana drained away, forced out a trembling voice.
"Le... Leon, defeat them..."
He tried to stand, but his legs buckled under him, shaking uncontrollably.
"Hiroshi... don't push yourself..." Kami whispered, her voice weak but steady as she knelt beside him. "I believe in Leon... He'll defeat that monster." She placed a hand on his shoulder, trying to calm his trembling.
Alexia stood silently, her sharp eyes watching the battle.
Unlike the others, her immense mana reserves kept her from collapsing, but even she could feel the unnatural pressure crawling under her skin. She knew if she made a wrong move, she could lose her footing at any moment — and if that happened, they'd have no hope left.
"Mam, I'm going to help him," Lucas said, lifting his sword, determination burning in his eyes.
"You can," Alexia replied coldly, her icy gaze cutting through him,
"—if you want to die."
---
The scene shifted.
Everything went dark.
