Zarek staggered to his feet, his right arm disintegrated and various parts of his body showing dark cracks, as if something were trying to rebuild him. From the shadows, a dark magic emanated, forming a viscous layer that covered the worst of the damage.
"This... this is spectacular," he said with a breathless laugh. Despite his condition, his gaze still burned with manic excitement. "But don't think I'm finished. There's always... one last move."
With a swift, brutal motion, Zarek grabbed one of his katanas with his mouth, clenching it tightly between his teeth. His body, though damaged, moved with terrifying speed and precision, as if the dark magic had given him a final burst of strength.
In an instant, Zarek lunged at Serena, his figure blurring with speed. The katana sliced through the air with a deadly whistle as he aimed straight for her neck.
---
Serena, still panting, opened her eyes just in time to see him approaching. Her heart raced, but something inside her held steady. She could feel the power Alex had given her surging through her veins, amplifying her magic and reflexes.
"Not this time," she murmured to herself.
With a swift motion, she extended both arms and activated her disintegration shield once more—this time concentrating the energy into an explosive flash just as Zarek was about to reach her.
The magical explosion was so intense that Zarek came to a dead stop. The katana in his mouth began to disintegrate, along with part of the dark magic surrounding him, exposing even more of his weakened body.
---
Zarek collapsed to the ground, gasping for air. Though his manic smile remained, his eyes showed a mix of frustration and exhaustion.
"Impressive," he said, letting the remnants of the katana fall to the ground. "You're much stronger than I expected… But this isn't over."
The dark magic around him began to swirl like a dense fog. Still staggering, Zarek took a step back just before the mist engulfed him completely.
"We'll meet again, Serena," he said, his voice echoing as his figure vanished into the darkness.
---
Serena remained standing, her body trembling from the effort. The disintegration magic slowly faded, and the glowing aura Alex had granted her began to dissolve.
"He's retreating," Alex said as he approached her. "You did it."
Serena glanced at him, still breathless.
"That man's insane… but not enough to stay and die."
Alex smiled with relief.
"Then we did the right thing."
"Yes," Serena replied with a faint nod. "But next time, I'll make sure he doesn't get the chance to retreat."
They exchanged a look of understanding before turning toward the battlefield, fully aware that there was still much left to do.
---
Alex was breathing heavily, feeling the pressure in his chest after using a massive amount of power to enhance Serena's abilities. Every time he used his support technique, it felt like all his energy was drained—and now, his body was demanding rest.
Noticing this, Serena approached with concern.
"Alex, are you okay? You look exhausted..."
Alex smiled weakly, raising a hand to signal he was fine.
"Just need a bit of rest, nothing serious. Once I recover, I'll help the others."
Serena watched him with doubt, knowing Alex often underestimated what his body could endure.
"Alright, but don't push yourself. I'd be really worried if something happened to you."
Alex nodded, and with one last weary glance, turned toward the place where he felt the strongest concentration of energy—the heart of the battle.
"I've noticed something strange. The Grand Dark Master…"
Serena looked at him, puzzled, as he continued.
"He made sure everyone stayed away from this place. Even though he could've let the fight happen here. That means something is going on—something he's protecting… or something he doesn't want us to discover."
Serena furrowed her brow, thoughtful.
"What do you think it is?"
"You'll find out soon. I want you to investigate while I rest. But be careful—don't expose yourself too much."
Serena was about to respond, but then paused, thinking.
"Why aren't you helping Emi? She's your best friend. And if you don't, I will."
Alex let out a soft laugh, glancing at Serena with an amused smile.
"You think Emi needs help? She's much stronger and more powerful than even she realizes. The thing is, she always tries to make people think she's weaker than she really is. She even pretends to be more vulnerable so I won't feel left out of the battles."
Serena blushed slightly, realizing Alex had hit the mark.
"So… Emi does all that just so you don't feel like… an 'extra'?"
Alex nodded, a mischievous smile on his face.
"Yeah, and I know she does it to protect me—though she'll never admit it. She's a bit... overprotective, don't you think?"
Serena let out a light laugh, understanding the dynamic between Alex and Emi much better now.
"Wow, that's interesting. You'll have to tell me more about that—after all this. Especially about the whole 'main character' thing…"
Alex looked at her, confused, and Serena blushed again, quickly changing the subject.
"Anyway, I noticed it too. Emi hides more than she lets on. I realized it last time when I saved her from that attack. She didn't act like an ordinary girl."
"Ah, you mean the 'protagonist'?" Alex said, almost sarcastically, but with a grin.
Serena laughed at the comment.
"Yeah, I'll get to that. But for now, I'll go investigate what you asked me to. Let me take care of it."
She extended her hand to him, with a kind smile and a determined look. Alex took it, gratitude in his eyes.
"Take care. And don't do anything reckless," Alex said as he lay down to rest.
Serena gave him one last glance before turning away with firm, determined steps, heading off to begin the investigation Alex had requested.
Alex watched her go, still worried about what might be happening—but trusting she could handle it. He closed his eyes for a moment, trying to recover his strength for what was yet to come.