Thinking that the other demons might be as new as Filly, Ash could almost imagine them pecking at each other like rookies at the mountain peak.
Of course, Ash could now move freely; he too had the right to step onto the mountaintop. Thinking of this, he regretted helping Vishi infect herself with the Secret Poison earlier—she would likely realize it quickly, and by now, she might have exhausted her magic power and rushed toward the center of the storm.
Unable to unfold his Void Wings, Ash had to step through the storm toward the summit one foot at a time.
As time passed, his breathing became louder, his calves felt as if they were filled with lead, and Ash realized this was when he was at his weakest—no teammates, magic power exhausted, covered in wounds, and terribly tired.
He could only forcibly divert his attention: I wonder how Igula and Harvey are doing; hope they're okay... they must be okay.
