Time itself seemed to freeze for a brief moment, revealing what might be the worst possible outcome.
Everyone stood in a position no one would envy—those who were still alive, at least.
As (Raym) remained paralyzed by the shock of what had happened to his friend, the terrifying knight prepared his next strike with fury...
(Arvela) watched helplessly, struggling to catch her breath—were these her final moments?
Meanwhile, (Lyra) stared at the scene before her:
A monstrous figure about to kill one of her comrades—not just anyone, but the one in whom she had sensed something different.
Behind her lay her mentor, the woman who had pulled her from despair and shaped her into who she was now…
and four lifeless bodies—people she had lived with, eaten with, trained alongside.
Before she could even think, (Lyra) found herself moving instinctively, charging toward (Raym) with the last of her strength.
She unleashed a lightning-infused attack at the knight.
He blocked it—but staggered back slightly.
Clicking his tongue in irritation, he sneered arrogantly,
"I'm already tired of your pathetic tricks."
He raised his axe high—
And suddenly…
An arm from behind seized him and stopped the blow.
The knight turned in disbelief.
Behind him stood a massive man with brown hair and gleaming armor, staring down at him with pure disdain.
Without the slightest effort, he ripped the knight's arm clean off with his bare hands and mocked coldly,
"Now we're even."
The knight collapsed to the ground, writhing in agony, screaming,
"MY ARM!! You bastard! How dare you attack me from behind?!"
He called desperately for his comrades.
But they were already dead.
Standing over their bodies was (Daniel)—the proud commander of the Second Battalion.
A warrior one does not encounter every day.
It was said he was among the few trusted blindly by the Supreme Commander and his deputies.
(Daniel) was easily recognizable—long orange hair streaked with silver, eyes like a predator patiently awaiting its prey.
Though known for wielding a massive axe, a rumor followed him everywhere:
If you ever see the "Unarmed Tiger" discard his weapon and fight barehanded—your death is guaranteed.
The knight tried to flee.
Too late.
(Vail) struck him down with a clean thrust, dropping him lifeless to the ground.
Without wasting time, (Vail) and (Daniel) rushed to aid the survivors.
(Daniel) carried (Arvela), while (Vail) helped (Raym) to his feet—if only to calm him.
"I'm sorry, Raym… I truly am," (Vail) said, his voice heavy.
"I never meant for this to happen. I didn't know it would come to this.
I received word from (Irene) that their unit was attacked, but the enemy withdrew quickly. I came as soon as someone arrived to secure the base."
He lowered his head.
"I have no excuse that could earn your forgiveness. I should have listened… it was far too early to send you outside. Please… snap out of it."
By sheer will, (Raym) stood upright, forcing himself to regain control.
(Arvela) joined them as (Vail) explained everything—why the attack happened, and who their enemies truly were.
"Listen carefully, Raym," (Vail) said.
"Didn't you notice? Their armor—all identical. Bearing the same insignia."
"They are what we call our enemies… the faction known as SI."
"They're a group of dictators who kill the weak, the sick, and the elderly—claiming they are the world's burden.
They steal from people under the excuse of 'advancement' and 'evolution.'
But it's all a lie. They care only for themselves."
"They murdered anyone who opposed them—or even spoke against them.
They hold absolute authority… absolute control."
"And we… we are those who refused that tyranny.
We gathered, clinging to the last fragment of hope—hoping that one day… things might change."
(Raym) clenched his fists, standing firm despite the grief in his eyes.
"All of this happened because I was weak," he said bitterly.
"I'm useless. I should have died instead of (Lance).
He was valuable—he had an element. I'm just a fool comforting himself with a worthless sword."
"A sword that betrayed me… and abandoned me."
(Daniel) approached slowly and placed a hand on (Raym)'s head.
"Listen, boy. Elements aren't everything in this world—yes, they're deadly weapons—but what good are they if the wielder is weak?"
"I heard from (Arvela) that you stood your ground and fought one of them alone.
You should be proud—especially since this was your first real battle.
Anyone else would've died from the first strike."
(Arvela) suddenly lost her balance.
(Daniel) caught her and stepped away.
(Vail) tried to comfort (Raym)—
And then—
Behind (Vail), the terrifying knight moved again, preparing one final attack.
(Daniel) and (Vail) turned.
Too late...
But this time… (Raym) was ready.
Without realizing it, he swung his sword.
A strange, overwhelming light erupted.
It engulfed both (Vail) and the knight.
A blinding flash forced everyone to shield their eyes...
When the light faded—
The knight lay dead...
And (Vail)… was completely unharmed.
(Raym) collapsed from exhaustion.
Silence followed—as if time itself had stopped...
For more than five minutes, (Arvela), (Vail), and (Daniel) stared at one another without uttering a single word...
What was that light?
Was it connected to (Raym)'s power?
And why… was (Vail) untouched?