The Kijin's empty eyes widened.
It stared at Nathan standing below it, holding Yukihime in his arms as though the creature's attack had never come close to ending her life.
For the first time since it had emerged from the underground shrine, something close to surprise appeared on its pale face.
"You," it said.
Its distorted voice rolled across the ruined streets of Minami Kyoto.
"You survived."
Nathan raised his gaze.
His eyes were cold.
"I only needed a pause."
The Kijin's black eyes narrowed.
Nathan adjusted his hold on Yukihime carefully, keeping her close while he stared upward at the towering monster.
"This time," Nathan said, "I will get rid of your nuisance existence."
The battlefield became quiet.
The defenders of Minami Kyoto watched from behind broken walls and scattered barricades. Soldiers who had moments ago believed they were about to watch Yukihime die now stood in disbelief.
Nathan was alive.
He had returned from the Kijin's strike.
