---
Blood ran from the cut along his side. His shoulders hurt from the mana spear. His right hand had started swelling from repeated strikes. His mana had fallen below half.
Fizz's flames were smaller than before.
Even he looked tired.
Nyx returned to John's shadow and remained there, feeding on the weak mana residue left across the battlefield.
Fartray looked around at the fallen men.
His face had lost all color.
"This is impossible."
John walked toward Gael first.
The guards holding him had tried to flee during the battle. One lay unconscious nearby. The other two had disappeared behind the old buildings.
Nyx had already weakened the mana rope.
John pulled it apart and removed the collar from Gael's neck.
Gael nearly fell when he tried to stand.
John caught him.
"Can you walk?"
Gael nodded, though pain covered his face.
"Yes."
Fizz flew closer.
"You look terrible."
Gael looked at him.
"You look tired."
Fizz puffed weakly.
"I still look excellent."
