The black mist began to spread outward—slow at first, then with gathering momentum, like a living entity devouring everything in its path.
Odian drove more power into the barrier, straining to break it. At the same time, his purifying force surged outward, colliding with the creeping darkness and forcing it back inch by inch.
Perhaps it was their proximity to him, but Zena and Drago began to stir. The haze clouding their minds thinned, then slowly dissolved.
Zena blinked, her vision sharpening as clarity returned—and the moment her eyes found Odian, her heart jolted violently.
Nina is here.
She turned at once, frantic, searching—and then she saw her.
"Nina…"
Gritting her teeth, forcing her trembling body to obey, Zena pushed herself upright and staggered forward, each step unsteady but determined.
Nina noticed it too— even Yosan seemed to be suppressed by the oppressive dark force.
She seized the fleeting opening without hesitation.
