The weapon showdown had been raging for several minutes when Sephiran, awakened by the crashing of blades and shields, bolted toward the cave, sweat gleaming on his small body. Fear, worry, and anger all surged at once.
"M-Mother!"
He froze for a moment as he saw Maddy locked in battle with Arach—he didn't yet know who this other figure was.
"I'll save you, Mother!"
Clutching his War Bat like a knight with his trusty sword, he charged forward, voice trembling but fierce:
"HOW DARE YOU ATTACK MOTHER, Y-YOU DEMON!!!"
Maddy's eyes widened as she saw him rushing in. Her focus wavered, her parries faltering—but she acted instantly. Using Serpentine Locomotion, her feet slithered across the ground, evading Arach's next strike in a blur.
"BACK AWAY, SWEETIE! This is your brother, Arach! We… we were just exercising! Stay back, okay? Just watch how we fight!"
Her words cut through the tension, grounding both the boy and the battle before it could spiral out of control.
