Zarek staggered as he forced himself back to his feet. His right arm had been completely disintegrated, and several parts of his body were marked by dark cracks, as if something were trying to rebuild him from the inside. From within the shadows, dark magic began to seep out, forming a viscous layer that covered his most severe wounds.
"This… this is spectacular," he said between broken laughs. 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 and brutal motion, Zarek grabbed one of his katanas with his mouth, clenching it firmly between his teeth. His body—though shattered—moved with terrifying speed and precision, as if the dark magic had granted him one final surge of power.
In an instant, Zarek lunged at Serena. His figure blurred from sheer speed, and the katana sliced through the air with a deadly whistle, aimed straight at her neck.
---
Serena, still gasping for breath, opened her eyes just in time to see him closing in. Her heart raced, yet something inside her remained steady. She could feel the power Alex had given her coursing through her veins, amplifying both her magic and her reflexes.
"Not this time…" she murmured.
With a sharp movement, she extended both arms and activated her disintegration shield once more—this time focusing the energy into a concentrated, explosive flash just as Zarek was about to reach her.
The magical blast was so intense that Zarek came to an abrupt halt. The katana clenched between his teeth began to disintegrate, along with part of the dark magic surrounding him, leaving his already weakened body even more exposed.
---
Zarek collapsed to the ground, breathing heavily. Though his manic smile remained, his eyes now reflected frustration and exhaustion.
"Impressive…" he said, letting the remnants of the katana fall from his mouth. "You're far stronger than I expected. But this isn't over."
The dark magic around him began to swirl like a thick fog. Staggering, Zarek took a step back just as the mist completely enveloped him.
"We'll meet again, Serena," his voice echoed as his figure vanished into the darkness.
---
Serena remained standing, her body trembling from the strain. The disintegration magic slowly began to fade, and the brilliant aura Alex had granted her gradually dissipated.
"He's retreating," Alex said as he approached. "You did it."
Serena looked at him, still short of breath.
"That man is insane… but not insane enough to stay and die."
Alex smiled in relief.
"Then we did the right thing."
"Yes," she replied with a slight nod. "But next time, I won't give him a chance to escape."
They stood in silence, understanding without words what lay ahead, before turning their attention back to the battlefield. There was still much to be done.
---
Alex breathed heavily, feeling intense pressure in his chest after using such a massive amount of power to reinforce Serena. Every time he used his support technique, his energy was completely drained… and now his body demanded rest.
Noticing this, Serena stepped closer, concern in her eyes.
"Alex, are you okay? You look exhausted…"
Alex gave a weak smile and raised a hand dismissively.
"I just need to rest a bit. Nothing serious. Once I recover, I'll help the others."
Serena watched him with suspicion. She knew Alex had a habit of underestimating how much strain his body endured.
"Alright, but don't push yourself. I'd be really worried if something happened to you."
Alex nodded, and after one last weary glance, shifted his focus toward the place where he felt the greatest concentration of energy—the heart of the battle.
"I've noticed something strange… the Dark Grand Master…"
Serena looked at him, intrigued, as he continued.
"He made sure everyone stayed away from this area. Even when he could've allowed the fight to happen here. That means something's going on… something he's protecting, or something he doesn't want us to discover."
Serena frowned thoughtfully.
"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 reply, but paused, reflecting.
"And why don't you help Emi? She's your best friend. If you don't, I will."
Alex let out a small laugh and looked at Serena with an amused smile.
"Do you really think Emi needs help? She's far stronger and more powerful than even she realizes. The problem is that she always tries to make others think she's weaker than she actually is. She even pretends to be more vulnerable so I won't feel out of place in battles."
Serena blushed slightly, realizing Alex had hit the mark.
"So… Emi does all that so you won't feel like… an 'extra'?"
Alex nodded with a mischievous smile.
"Yeah. And I know she does it to protect me… even though she'd never admit it. She's a bit… overprotective, don't you think?"
Serena let out a soft laugh, understanding their dynamic much better now.
"Wow, that's interesting. You'll have to tell me more after all this is over. Especially about this whole 'main character' thing…"
Alex looked at her, confused. Serena blushed again and quickly changed the subject.
"Anyway… I noticed it too. Emi hides more than she lets on. I realized it the last time I saved her from that attack. She didn't react like a normal girl would."
"Oh, you mean the 'protagonist'?" Alex said, almost sarcastically—but smiling.
Serena laughed at the comment.
"Yes, we'll get to that later. For now, I'll go investigate what you asked. Leave it to me."
She extended her hand toward him, wearing a gentle smile and a determined gaze. Alex took it, gratitude shining in his eyes.
"Be careful. And don't do anything reckless," he said as he leaned back to rest.
Serena gave him one last look before turning and walking away with firm, confident steps, beginning the investigation Alex had entrusted to her.
Alex watched her leave, still worried about what might be happening… but trusting that she could handle it. He closed his eyes for a moment, gathering his strength for whatever was still to come.