|Location: Near the Border of the City Ruins, Desert|
-YUI-
The ground shook violently as consciousness returned. I knew no time had passed since my body was slammed down—the chaos ahead spoke volumes. My teammates were locked in a desperate battle against the horde of worshipers.
I struggled to assess my surroundings and forced myself to stand, despite the burning pain in my abdomen. Blood seeped from a small, diametric rod piercing my side. Relief washed over me as I realized, "Good thing the metal didn't pierce any vital organs."
A familiar voice called out, and I immediately recognized it.
"Yui! Thank goodness you're alive."
Kate appeared at the edge of my vision, bruised and cut, her right leg limping as she hurried over. Her expression shifted to panic when she saw the wound. "Yo-u're blee-ding!"
She tried to pull me from the rubble, but I stopped her. "No, don't. It could cause severe bleeding."
