Mitsuki raised his shotgun and sword to shield himself. The ground beneath his feet shattered, cracking in multiple directions—just like the bones in his arms, which creaked painfully with a dry snap he could barely hear over the roar of the storm.
The impact traveled through his entire body like an internal shockwave, making the ash clinging to his skin tremble and peel away in tiny particles that the rain immediately washed off.
The sound of crystal flowers shattering mixed with the rain, creating a sharp echo that pierced the ears, while everyone's eyes remained fixed on Mitsuki's lifeless face.
In that fraction of a second, the princess asked him:
"Answer me—who are you?"
Confused, Mitsuki looked into her eyes, but said nothing. His gaze was empty, as if the question held no meaning within his numbed mind.
