The battlefield was no longer just a place. It was an emotion. The cries of men, the thunder of clashing spells, and the crackle of broken skies painted a portrait of collapse.
Ren lay unconscious within the protective dome, still unmoving. The dome made by Seroi to protect Ren with help of Frein.
Seroi stood between him and the storm. Blood dripped from his arm, but his eyes stayed locked on the figure ahead Eram, the one who had once walked Qiyun as a friend. A black mask. Loyal servent of Mage King and good friend of Seroi.
Now, he returned as a monster wearing history like armor.
Eram stepped forward, black veins slithering up his neck. His body was human, but everything else was twisted. The parasite had consumed him slowly, and whatever remained of the original man was buried beneath layers of rot and war.
"You once said you'd die protecting the weak," Seroi whispered, "Now look at you."
Eram didn't answer. He raised his hand.
