Zephyr was the first to stumble out of the dungeon portal, emerging into the familiar area where they had fought the five S-rank monsters. Lucien was still in his arms, and both of them were utterly exhausted.
The moment they crossed the threshold, Zephyr's knees buckled.
Even so, he refused to let Lucien get hurt. He twisted his body at the last second, taking the full impact himself as his back slammed against the ground, completely unaware that the tiny dragon clinging to him was squashed beneath his weight.
Onicus wondered if it should just end its own existence. At least then, it wouldn't have to suffer like this anymore.
A faint groan escaped Zephyr.
For a moment, he couldn't move.
Every muscle in his body trembled uncontrollably, and the slightest attempt to lift himself felt like an impossible task. His head spun, his vision blurred, and a wave of dizziness washed over him. He had clearly pushed himself far beyond his limits.
