Chaos continued to swirl all around them. Alex felt adrenaline surge through his veins, took a deep breath, and made a decision: he would use the only resource he truly possessed—his support magic.
It wasn't as powerful as the others', but he had learned to channel it with precision.
He moved toward EMI, who was blocking another devastating blow from Garrosh, and placed a hand on her shoulder.
"What are you doing now?" EMI asked, sweating but refusing to give ground.
Alex closed his eyes, focusing on transferring energy. A faint glow emerged from his hands, wrapping EMI in a warm light.
"I'm giving you a boost. I can't fight like you… but I can help you last longer."
EMI felt a surge of power rush through her body. Her muscles relaxed, yet gained unexpected resilience. Her eyes shone with renewed determination.
"Thanks, Alex. Now leave this to me."
Alex nodded and, without looking back, ran toward Serena, who was fighting fiercely against Zarek.
---
Zarek continued his assault with a maniacal grin, moving with speed and precision as if toying with his prey. Serena stood her ground, raising thorn barriers and waves of energy to keep him at bay.
"Is that all you've got, witch?" Zarek mocked, dodging another attack. "I thought you'd be more fun."
"And I thought the Grand Master's lackeys would be smarter," Serena shot back sarcastically, releasing an energy blast that forced Zarek to retreat several steps.
Alex arrived just as Zarek counterattacked, slamming Serena into the ground with brutal force.
"Serena!" Alex shouted, rushing toward her.
Zarek turned, his twisted smile widening.
"Well, well… the little guy without magic wants to play? This should be interesting."
---
Alex positioned himself in front of Serena as she struggled to rise. She kept her eyes locked on Zarek while desperately searching for a strategy. She knew Alex couldn't face him head-on… but maybe he could buy her some time.
"What are you doing here?" Serena asked, wiping blood from her lip.
"I'm not going to stand by while you do all the work," Alex replied, staring straight at Zarek.
Zarek advanced slowly, like a predator certain of victory. Alex grabbed a small dagger from among the rubble. It was practically useless against someone like Zarek… but it might buy a few seconds.
"Brave, I'll give you that," Zarek said, raising his sword. "But also stupid."
When Zarek lunged, Alex barely rolled aside, narrowly avoiding the strike. Then he hurled a small rock that struck Zarek directly in the eye, stunning him for an instant.
"Now, Serena!" Alex shouted.
---
Seizing the opening, Serena channeled her magic and wove a massive energy net around Zarek. The thorned strands snapped shut like a trap, immobilizing him for several crucial seconds.
"You can't stop me!" Zarek roared, tearing through part of the net with sheer brute force.
"I just need one more moment…" Serena murmured, concentrating.
Her body began to glow with an intense aura as she gathered all her power for a final strike.
Zarek partially broke free, but before he could react, Serena unleashed a blast of pure energy that struck him square in the chest, hurling him into a nearby wall.
---
Zarek slowly rose to his feet, staggering—but still smiling.
"This is what I love… fights where I can actually feel something."
Despite his bravado, his exhaustion and injuries were obvious. Serena, gasping for breath, leaned against Alex, who supported her as best he could.
"Are you okay?" he asked.
"Yes… but this isn't over yet," she replied, never taking her eyes off Zarek.
Alex knew it. The battle wasn't finished. But for the first time, he felt like he could make a difference—no matter how small. He clenched his fists, resolute.
The tension became unbearable. Serena breathed heavily as she faced Zarek, whose manic eyes gleamed with excitement as he spun his katanas.
"So, disintegration magic…" Zarek sneered, twirling the blades skillfully. "Interesting. It's been a while since someone made me feel like I could lose an arm with a single mistake."
Serena remained silent, calculating her options. Her magic was devastating—but exhausting in prolonged fights.
---
Zarek moved first. His figure vanished for an instant and reappeared to Serena's right. His katanas flashed with dark light as he struck.
Serena barely managed to react. She raised a magical barrier, but the blades pierced through it effortlessly. Leaping back, she thrust out her hand and released a wave of disintegration energy that forced Zarek to retreat.
"That was close!" Zarek laughed. "You're dangerous, I'll admit it. But that just makes it more fun."
Without giving her time to recover, he attacked again, moving at impossible speed. Serena could barely track him; every counterattack missed by inches.
---
After several exchanges, Serena was panting, her body marked with shallow cuts and burns left by the enchanted katanas.
"What's wrong, witch?" Zarek taunted, stopping a few meters away. "Is that all? I didn't think you'd tire so quickly."
Serena clenched her teeth, her eyes blazing with fury.
"I won't lose to a man… not again."
Zarek raised an eyebrow, intrigued.
"So that's what drives you? Fascinating. Then let me help you get over that trauma… by defeating you right here and now."
Before Zarek could move, Alex stepped forward and placed a hand on Serena's shoulder. For some reason, Zarek paused.
"What are you doing?" Serena asked, irritated.
"I have a plan," Alex said calmly but firmly. "What's the limit of your magic? Can you cover your entire body—like a shield?"
Serena frowned, understanding the idea.
"Yes, but it consumes a lot of energy. If I fail, I won't have anything left to defend myself."
"You won't fail," Alex said. "I'll amplify your magic. When Zarek attacks, activate the shield. With my support, his body won't be able to withstand the disintegration."
---
Serena hesitated for a moment… then nodded.
"Alright. I hope you know what you're doing."
Seeing them, Zarek burst into laughter.
"Planning your final move? How adorable."
Alex ignored the mockery and raised both hands. A blue light enveloped Serena, merging with the disintegration energy beginning to surround her. She closed her eyes, spreading her magic across her entire body.
Zarek tilted his head, curious.
"What are you plotting now? Bah, doesn't matter. I'll break that magic of yours!"
With an explosive burst of speed, he lunged at Serena, katanas raised.
Serena didn't move. She waited.
Just as Zarek entered her range, she activated the shield.
Her entire body became encased in a brilliant, lethal energy.
---
Zarek couldn't stop himself.
The katanas collided with the shield… and disintegrated instantly.
"W–What?!" he exclaimed in shock.
His right arm began to vanish slowly, starting from the forearm.
"This… this is incredible!" Zarek shouted, smiling even as his arm completely disappeared.
Before he could retreat, Serena intensified her magic and released a shockwave that struck him head-on. Zarek was blasted several meters away, crashing into a wall and collapsing onto the ground.