Now!

Hyah!

Argh...

It's working, Aneil! If we can keep this up...

Wait... Something's wrong.

Huh?

Hehehe... You finally noticed.

The presence of the force that was pursuing your group is fading.

It can't be!

Exactly...!

I gave orders for my troops to act while you were busy with me...

...orders that sent them right back to pursuing the allies you were trying to protect!

No... It can't be!

I was careless. I wasn't paying attention to my surroundings...

...while I was focused on battling this disciple!

There is no cause for alarm.

What?!

I noticed the God Army troops carrying out strange maneuvers and took care of them.

Who are you?

I am Avant. I've come to help you.

You say you defeated that many troops, alone?!

What sort of foolishness is this?!

I don't need the likes of you to believe me.

I...I believe you.

I can't explain it properly, but I don't think you're lying.

I...I feel the same way.

I see.

You two are comrades of the civilians' leaders, aren't you?

Leave this to me, and catch up with the others right away.

What?! But...

......

You think I'll let you get away?!

Argh!

Avant!

I'm fine! Hurry, run!

No! If you're going to fight them, then we're with you!

Aneil. Come on, let's go.

B-But...

I'm sure that...this man is far stronger than we can imagine.

Need I say more?

I get it.

Avant, please survive...

We are grateful for your assistance. We leave the rest to you.

They're finally gone...

Hmph. So you intend to sacrifice yourself to stall me?

Just what I'd expect from a petty little human.

You're wrong.

I let them leave...so that they wouldn't be caught up in my technique.

Urgh... What is this heat?

Here goes...

Wh-What?!

How?! How could you injure a disciple like me so badly with a single attack?!

......

Urgh!

I will not be destroyed... not in a battle this meaningless!

I still must act in Lord Zevalhua's stead...

...in the battle to come!

So the disciple escaped...

Urk!

And worse, I reopened the wound that the other disciple gave me.

Still, this pain is nothing.

Nothing at all, not compared to the thought of him fighting on his own!

Avant...I hope we see him again.

I sensed a very strong will behind his eyes.

A strong will?

Yes. A strong will, and something like a deep sadness.

It's possible that he doesn't intend to live very long.

......

Still, for now we should accept the gift he has given us. Let's go, Aneil.