The battle began with an explosion of energy. Garrosh charged at EMI, his massive weight making the ground tremble. Each swing of his hammer thundered through the battlefield, forcing EMI to dodge with flawless precision. Meanwhile, Zarek lunged at Serena, his maniacal grin wide as he savored the challenge she represented.
Aria, attempting to neutralize the Dark Grand Master, summoned ghostly shadows that rose like specters around her. These figures, formed from pure darkness, attacked with fluid and lethal movements, forcing the mage to retreat and retaliate with explosive spells.
Amid the chaos, Alex stood frozen. The destruction around him made him feel small—useless. He watched his friends fight with everything they had, while all he could do was clench his fists, trapped in his own helplessness.
Behind him, Azrath let out a thunderous yawn, drawing Alex's attention. The enormous pink lion, disturbingly calm, conjured a glowing artifact that transformed into the gigantic pillow Alex had once given him. With a lazy motion, the lion flopped onto it and closed his eyes, completely ignoring the battle raging around them.
Alex turned toward Azrath, stunned.
"Aren't you going to attack me?" he asked, trying to hide the mix of relief and humiliation in his voice.
Azrath opened one eye and looked at him with boredom.
"Attack you? There's no point. You have no magic, no strength, and you don't even know how to hold a sword properly."
The lion's words struck Alex like a dagger. Azrath yawned again and closed his eyes.
"It would be a waste of time. Better to take a nap while they have their fun."
Alex clenched his jaw, feeling his pride shatter. He stared at his hands, remembering every time he had been saved by others—every moment he had felt inadequate.
---
He took a deep breath and lifted his head.
"Then… is it a problem if I help my friends?" he asked, forcing himself to stay calm.
Azrath replied without opening his eyes, his voice heavy with indifference.
"Do whatever you want. It won't change the outcome."
Alex felt frustration mix with determination. If he couldn't be a powerful fighter like EMI or Aria, or a hunter like Serena, then he would do everything he could to be useful.
---
EMI dodged Garrosh's devastating blows with skill, but every block with her shield sent violent tremors through her arms. The massive man laughed with pure joy, clearly enjoying every second of the fight.
"Come on, little one! I know you can do better!" Garrosh roared, lifting his hammer for a finishing blow.
Serena, meanwhile, was locked in a deadly dance with Zarek. The magic flowing from her hands summoned thorns that lashed out at her opponent, but Zarek moved with supernatural speed, effortlessly evading every strike.
"This is what I love! A fight where I can kill or be killed!" Zarek shouted, his manic grin never fading.
At the same time, Aria continued to hold the Dark Grand Master at bay. The shadows she had summoned slithered around her like serpents, yet his magic was so overwhelming that every exchange felt like a clash between titans.
---
Alex took in the scene and knew he had to act. Even if he didn't know exactly what to do, he ran toward EMI, who was slowly being pushed back.
"Alex! What are you doing here?!" EMI shouted as she blocked another massive blow from Garrosh.
"I came to help!" he replied, his voice trembling slightly.
"And how do you plan to do that?! You don't have magic or weapons!"
Alex looked around and spotted a pile of rubble. He ran toward it, grabbed a rock larger than his own head, and hurled it with all his strength at Garrosh. The impact was thunderous—it didn't deal real damage, but it struck his back and shattered into pieces, distracting him just long enough for EMI to counterattack, firing a beam of light straight into his face.
Garrosh roared in pain and staggered backward. EMI glanced at Alex and smiled.
"I guess that counts for something. Just don't die."
Alex simply nodded.