Alex, determined to protect Aria, closed his eyes and poured all his energy into his support technique. He could feel his body growing weaker, but he refused to lose focus. He extended his hand toward Aria, who watched him with a mix of concern and curiosity.
"Get ready, Aria," Alex said, his voice strained from the effort. "This should give you enough power to face him."
A faint light surrounded Alex and then flowed into Aria, wrapping her in a dark, ethereal aura that seemed to dance around her body. The power of the shadows answered her call, and Aria felt a surge of energy unlike anything she had experienced before.
"This is… incredible," Aria murmured, staring at her hands now coated in magic.
But the spectacle didn't end there. The shadow magic took shape before them, forming a colossal, ghostly creature. Its appearance was monstrous—an elongated body, glowing eyes, and huge hands tipped with sharp claws. And yet, despite its fearsome looks, its movements were clumsy and its expression seemed more gentle than threatening.
Startled by the creature's appearance, Aria jumped back—straight into Alex's arms.
"What is that?!" she shouted, clutching him tightly.
Alex barely managed to keep his balance as he caught her, feeling both her weight and the nervous grip of her hands.
"It's… well, I think it's your magic," Alex replied, trying not to laugh at the scene.
The creature, noticing Aria's reaction, made a slow, awkward motion, lifting its massive hands as if to reassure her. It even let out a ghostly tear that vanished before hitting the ground, all while making comical gestures that seemed to say: Please don't be afraid of me.
The Grand Dark Mage, who had been watching with one eyebrow raised, let out a scoff.
"Seriously?" he said in clear irritation. "This is the best you can do? Enough games!"
With a swift gesture, he hurled a beam of dark energy straight at Alex and Aria.
"Watch out!" Alex shouted, trying to move—but the shadow creature reacted first.
With a deep, raspy roar, the creature stepped between them and the mage's attack. The dark energy struck its torso head-on, but it showed no sign of harm. Its body absorbed the blast as if it were nothing more than a passing breeze. Then, turning toward the mage, it wore an almost comically determined expression, as if to say: Is that all you've got?
Still clinging to Alex, Aria stared at the scene in awe.
"It's amazing…" she murmured. "That thing's not only strong—it's… kind of adorable?"
Alex let out a short, genuine laugh.
"Well, at least it's on our side."
The Grand Dark Mage, now visibly irritated, scowled and began gathering more energy for his next attack.
"This is becoming more interesting than I expected," he said, his voice dripping with malice. "But don't underestimate my power."
Alex and Aria exchanged a glance. The battle was far from over, but for now, they had an unexpected ally—perhaps the most comical champion imaginable—standing between them and the darkness.