The clash had slowed, but the threat remained. Falco closed his eyes, isolating the sound of eight distinct heartbeats. He waited, calm amidst the chaos. When the darkside spirits closed in, he sprang into action—dodging their synchronized attacks in one fluid motion. Launching himself into mid-air, he struck down the three above him, piercing through their hearts one after another.
As he descended, he sensed two more right beneath him. Eyes still closed, he relied on sound alone, weaving through their attacks. In a swift arc, he beheaded them both and landed directly atop their fallen bodies.
On the ground, the Shinra with the second dark cape had already dispatched the final three. "Now that was impressive," he muttered. "Where was that earlier, scaredy-cat?"
"I just figured it out," Falco panted. "If I fight with my eyes closed and focus only on sound, I can track their heartbeats."
The two exchanged a glance, then without another a word, they charged at the next wave of darkside spirits. "I guess you'll be of some use after all. No Renshi—just brute strength. Your way, then," the dark-caped Shinra said.
Falco gave a short nod. Together, they tore through the darkside spirits. By the time the dust settled, only thirty-six darkside spirits remained. The two warriors hunched over, catching their breath.
"I can't keep this up," the Shinra groaned. "Even with Renshi, stamina's running low, I will find it difficult to fight when the main event begins."
A mage stepped forward, holding a glowing orb of Renshi. "I'll heal everyone and restore all lost energy. We don't know what's coming next."
"Good thinking," the Court Captain said.
"Don't compliment me yet, Captain," the mage replied. "We're all Shinras. My brother and I will support from the rear."
The younger mage joined him. "Let's do this together, big bro."
The captain turned to Falco. "Hey, Smith—can you use that hearing trick again?to Find that unknown darkside spirit?"
"I already have," Falco said, eyes narrowing. "It's right below us."
"What? Why didn't you say that earlier?!"
"It just got here. It's been burrowing underground, moving around. This is the seventh time it's returned to this spot."
Before anyone could respond, the ground trembled.
"Everyone, fall back—now!" the captain ordered.
Through the telepathy link, the head captain's voice rang out. "Mages, what's happening on your end?"
"The unknown darkside spirit is about to surface," one mage responded. "How about your side, Captain?"
"We've just finished clearing out all the beta-darkside spirits. But listen closely—the one we're facing isn't ordinary. It's a special darkside spirit, backed by an Alpha darkside spirit. That combination is lethal. Falco needs to stand down. He's not equipped for what's coming."
"With respect, sir," the mage replied, "Falco and Mega took out more than half of the enemies here. No Shinra has died thanks to them."
"I see," the head captain said. "Then do whatever it takes to survive. I'll finish things on my end and come support you."
"Understood, sir."
The mages turned to the Shinras. "Attention all Shinras! We have confirmed intelligence—our enemy its likely a Special darkside spirit with support from an Alpha darkside spirit. The special darkside spirit alone could wipe us out. Be on guard!"
A hush fell over the remaining fighters.
"A special darkside spirit?!" the captain exclaimed. "Those are rare—even in Wuhan! And now one shows up here, supported by an Alpha darkside spirit?! We're in deep trouble."
"No time to panic!" Falco yelled.
Suddenly, the earth split beneath them—cracking in two. All eyes turned downward.
From the chasm, a figure rose.
Humanoid.
No tail. Smooth skin. Eyes like a man's… but nothing human behind them.
The true battle was about to begin.