Within the world of entities, there are four that stand out from any others - these species are called pristine entities, known as the natural parents of every entity. Among these parents rage the mighty Pyron, the pristine entity currently roaming across the country of Nahata, leaving destruction in its flaming wake. Raja, leader of Death Desert, refused to let the growing threat persist, assembling the mighty Team Pyron.
The second war against Pyron draws near - after an unexpected reappearance in Flower City, the menacing entity continues its unsettling rampage. After Fire Moon's elimination and the beast's reawakening, the team draws closer to revealing the ultimate truth behind their target. Will Team Pyron be capable of rescuing Nahata from this scorching threat, or will this encounter mark their early demise? This is ENTITY: FRIENDSHIPS FINAL ACT.
Volume 13, Chapter 82 - Burnt Petals
Flower City, Nahata
At Stephanie's bedside stood Itama, his gaze trembling before her bandaged chest. Every one of her groans brought an unwelcoming churn to his heart, breaking beneath the realization of his actions. I let Stephanie get hurt. First I couldn't protect Trhama, now, sixteen years later, I can't even protect Stephanie.
"Itama." Her voice pierced through Itama's thoughts like a fierce metal spear as her hands rose, stroking his arm in a downward motion. "You did everything you could to protect me. If it weren't for you, I would've died the moment Pyron approached me…" The air seemed to grow lighter at her sincerity, embracing Itama's heart in a shroud of billowing comfort. "After everything that happened… you're still positive?"
That same moment, Kevin's raspy voice shot through Itama's mind, converting his discomfort into curiosity as his eyes shot upward. ITAMA, STEPHANIE, FORREST! WHERE THE HELL ARE YOU THREE!?
Stephanie's head twitched, the scent of Kevin's unwavering determination bleeding through. "They're already here from the Grand Province? It's been a while since we've seen them, hasn't it?"
"In my book, three days isn't really a while," Itama replied. A moment of silence enveloped the two as Itama's eyes discoursed. "Stephanie, I'm not going to let you get hurt again. I'll take down Pyron, no matter what." The door slammed open, flinging against the stopper with a loud crack. In the doorway stood Kevin, locking eyes with Stephanie as he drew further. "You guys saw Pyron, is that correct?"
Itama responded with a silent nod. "We managed to drive him off, but the city was already gone."
"Do you know what this means, Itama!?" Kevin's voice rose. "Pyron is a threat to every person in Nahata. Raja assembled us to take him down together, and we'll do just that in order to ensure countrywide peace." The sparks of hope seemed to liberate Itama from his despair. His eyes returned to Stephanie, reacting to Kevin's speech with a bold smile. "I may have just tagged along with you guys, but I won't pay you back for putting up with me all this time. Once sunrise comes, I'll help you guys fight, no matter what!"
—
Gerald observed the firepower-blanketed remains of Flower City. "So this is what a pristine entity leaves in its tracks. The first time we encountered Pyron, I wasn't expecting him to do damage anywhere close…"
"Underestimating pristine entities is a common mistake for many," Forrest replied. "Once you see the damage, mixed with the building fear in the air, it's impossible to go unnoticed." The lingering aroma of Pyron's flames carried a feeling of utter devastation, suffocating the city beneath a blanket of smoke and ash. Xavier's gaze rose into the star-spangled night overlooking them. "From what I've heard, Pyron's approaching the coast as we speak. If we let him get to Rufala, more people will fall to despair…"
"Then we'll stop him," Gerald blurted, the surrounding devastation hardening his resolve. "As soon as the sun rises, we'll pursue Pyron before he can even reach Rufala. This is our chance, so we'll prevent further destruction by taking it!" A bright smile of hope bloomed across Xavier's face, serving as a ray of light in a world of belligerence. "We also need to figure out the real truth of Pyron. Who could that boy within the links possibly be…?"
"He said his name was Pyron," Kevin responded from a distance, joining the conversation alongside Itama and Stephanie. "Despite everything we've been through, we have to save that boy!"
"We don't even know who that boy is, Kevin," Gerald advised. "Trusting him right off the bat is something you don't want to do in situations like these." Xavier reacted to Gerald's claim with an approving nod. "Acts of deception and betrayal have been growing in the entity world. We can't just take out chances…" Flares of anxiety rose from the group as their smiles faded. "Rufala is notorious for attracting fire-type entities," Forrest spoke, picturing the coast with a low mumble. "If we let Pyron get there, it won't be pretty."
Kaelan's eyes squinted, the unsettling image of Pyron entering his brain. "The seven of us against a colossal entity like Pyron… Among that number, there's only two entity hunters."
"In that case," Kevin's voice rose, "we'll just have to make it enough. No matter what, this will be the final battle we fight against Pyron." His fist shot into the cloudy night skies, piercing through the smoke as his resolve hardened. "When the sun rises… we settle this, Pyron."