Alfred was no longer a Soul Emperor.
He had stepped into the realm of a Soul Sage.
"Congratulations, Alfred." Giselle flew to his side, the words sincere.
Yet there was no joy on his face. The instant his breakthrough stabilized, his gaze snapped toward the golden cocoon of light nearby.
It was dimming.
Alfred vanished in a blur and reappeared beside it.
The cocoon dissolved.
Lily sat on the ground, eyes closed, her face deathly pale. It looked as though all the blood had been drained from her body, leaving behind only faint wisps of life.
Ray lay nearby, still soaked in blood. The terrifying wounds that had once riddled his body were gone, healed completely. His breathing was weak, his pulse faint—but steady.
"So these little brats really don't know how to stop surprising people," Giselle muttered.
She waved a hand. A soft green glow bloomed from her body, condensing into two plant-like lights. They drifted forward and merged gently into Ray and Lily.
