The monster's desperate summons filled the ruined street with screeching horrors. Alex was everywhere at once, vaulting off walls, firing elemental bullets mid-flip, then slashing with his blade infused with both flame and frost. The air cracked with explosions, steam, and searing heat. Serah, holding the line, fought like a whirlwind of radiant steel, her blades flashing arcs of light as she cut down the hybrids that pressed against her.
Then Alex struck the decisive blow — his sword plunged into the abomination's spine, unleashing a torrent of mana. Fire roared, ice froze, and the beast's howl was cut short as it disintegrated into ash and steam. Silence followed, broken only by Serah's heavy breathing and Alex lowering his sword, smoke rising from the blade.
But from the ruins, a single assassin crawled forward. His mask shattered, blood dripping from his lips, yet his eyes burned with fanatic resolve. He raised a trembling hand, revealing a black crest etched with cursed runes.
