The two attacks collided in midair.
BOOM.
A blinding surge of Dark Renshi erupted through the forest, uprooting trees and shaking the ground beneath them.
At first, Alfie's arrow held its ground against the enormous sphere. But gradually, the sphere began to overpower it.
"This is bad. Get out of there," the girl screamed.
Alfie turned and tried to run.
The Alpha Darkside Spirit sneered.
"I won't let you escape, kid. This is the end."
With a wave of its hand, it redirected the massive sphere toward Alfie.
It came too fast.
He couldn't dodge.
"Don't die," the girl cried, rushing toward him.
Alfie collapsed to the ground, his body trembling.
I can't move. I'm completely drained.
I don't want to die.
I don't want to die…
The enormous sphere closed in.
Then---
Flash.
A small, radiant beam shot out from deep within the forest, slicing straight through the massive rock.
In an instant, the entire attack was obliterated, scattering into countless fragments.
"What… was that light?" the Alpha Darkside Spirit muttered in disbelief. "How did it destroy my attack in one blow?"
Alfie stared wide-eyed as the horn protruding from his head slowly retracted into his skull. The dark tattoos covering his body crumbled away like dust.
"What just happened?" he whispered. "That rock disappeared in a blink."
The girl rushed to his side and dropped to her knees, pulling him into a tight hug.
"I'm so glad you're safe. I couldn't bear losing someone who tried to protect me… not again."
Alfie managed a weak smile.
"Now you're acting like a kid."
The girl smiled through her tears.
"What was that light? How did it destroy such a powerful attack?"
"I don't know. I'm just as surprised as you are."
She glanced toward the forest.
"Do you think it came from a Shinra?"
"A Shinra?"
Alfie's eyes lit up.
"I can't wait to meet one. Do they wear costumes? Do they look like superheroes?"
"Here we go again."
She laughed as she helped him to his feet.
"You were ready to cry a minute ago, and now you're all smiles."
She looked toward the forest again.
"Let's hope it really was a Shinra. Whoever it was, they saved us. I'd say we're about eighty percent safe now."
A cold voice suddenly echoed from deep within the forest.
"You lowly creature. Chasing after children? Is this what Darkside Spirits have become? Pathetic. I thought you hunted warriors, but now you're going after kids with Renshi?"
The Alpha Darkside Spirit growled.
"Show yourself. I'll teach you to fear a true Alpha. I'll devour you where you stand."
"Devour me?"
The voice sounded almost amused.
"You clearly don't know your place."
A black horse slowly emerged from the forest, carrying a man dressed in a shining black cape. His hair flowed in the wind, and his cold eyes remained fixed on the Alpha Darkside Spirit.
It was Marco, who had just arrived in Guhan.
"It's a Shinra," the girl gasped with relief. "We're safe."
"Whoa… he's so cool," Alfie whispered. "The cape, the horse. I want a horse too."
"Shut it, idiot. Try acting like a Shinra, not a fanboy."
"Sorry. I'm just really excited."
Alfie grinned.
"This is a dream come true."
"Whatever."
The girl rolled her eyes.
The Alpha Darkside Spirit stepped forward.
"A Shinra? So what? I'm an Alpha now. I can take you on by myself."
"So naive," Marco replied calmly.
Before anyone could blink---
SLASH.
The Alpha Darkside Spirit's head flew through the air.
Neither Alfie nor the girl had even seen Marco draw his sword.
"What just happened?" they both shouted.
"That's amazing," Alfie said, his jaw hanging open. "I fought that thing for minutes, and he took it down without even moving."
"You idiot."
The girl lightly hit him.
"We fought it together."
"Ah, right. My bad."
Alfie laughed.
"You really take things personally."
"Call it whatever you want. I just don't want history saying you killed an Alpha Darkside Spirit by yourself. We did it together."
"Fair enough. Team effort."
Marco rode closer, interrupting their banter.
"Hey, kids. Do you live around here?"
"Yes," Alfie replied. "Just past the cliff. I live there with my parents. Thank you, Mr. Shinra. I'm really happy to meet you."
"Save the thanks for later. Get on the horse. We're heading to your town."
"Why? Are you looking for someone?"
"Yes. I made a promise to a friend. He was a good man, and I'm here to fulfill it."
Alfie's expression changed.
"You said he was…"
His voice softened.
"Does that mean he's no longer alive?"
"Sadly, yes."
Marco nodded before looking at the boy with mild curiosity.
" You're sharp kid. What's your name?"
"Oh, right."
Alfie straightened proudly.
"I'm Alfie. Falco Alfie. That's my full name."
Marco's eyes widened slightly in surprise.