Following Caliph’s movements, the monster instinctively assumed a defensive posture. It had already happened several times.

Amidst the predictable movements, Caliph, with a mocking smile, circled around the monster in a circular motion.

To enhance its defense, the monster, laden with limbs of corpses attached to its torso, became increasingly sluggish, making it difficult to follow Caliph’s movements.

To avoid losing sight of him, the monster swayed its head with a clumsy motion. The initially fierce gaze following Caliph became dull, and the once steady steps began to show signs of faltering.

Although the openings became apparent faster than expected, Caliph did not stop the circular movements around the monster.

He had to wait for the perfect opportunity. Thinking that this might be the real end, he had to wait for the moment when he could thrust his sword into the monster’s heart.

The moment he was waiting for didn’t take as long as he thought. The monster, which had been showing more openings, belatedly seemed to realize it and began emitting a purple aura once again.

It seemed to be further fortifying its body with the scattered limbs as if trying to enhance its defense. Caliph did not stop his circling movements, eagerly waiting for the moment.

Sharp thorns protruded around the monster’s heart, but ignoring them, Caliph aimed his sword above. His body, already gaining speed, quickly descended and soon dominated the space above the monster.

Caliph forcefully plunged the sword he held into Ustia’s heart. Despite the body starting to writhe in agony, inflicting significant wounds on Caliph, he persisted resolutely.

Then, a powerful force, indescribable with the grip of the hand holding the sword, was felt. A never-seen-before bright blue light emitted as if radiating shone, enveloping not only Caliph but also Ustia, now transformed into a monster.

The intense struggle between the one trying to devour and the one resisting continued fiercely. The immense pressure and destructive force seemed like they could burst Caliph’s body at any moment.

Nevertheless, Caliph endured it, biting down on the pain. If doing so could even slightly help Felix and, by extension, bring complete peace to Evelia, then it didn’t matter what happened to his body or his life.

It was when he could barely endure the agony akin to his heart burning out, and he was reaching the point of mental exhaustion that the explosion of blue light from the sword that pierced Ustia’s heart began.

In an instant, the silhouettes of Ustia and Caliph, saturated with the blue light, intertwined. Then, with a peculiar energy, they rapidly spread out into the ground and sky, filled with abundant vitality.
There was no strength left to move a single finger. Caliph’s ragged breath escaped his lips, and simultaneously, a comforting warmth spread through his body, which had been filled with pain.

As if being embraced by someone, warmth filled the air. The torn and wounded areas gradually healed, and the feeling of pain itself began to disappear.

At that moment, Felix’s voice faintly echoed.

“- You did well, Caliph. Thanks to you, it seems I can finally bring an end to the disgraceful mistakes that remained in my hands.”

Felix’s voice was incomparably serene compared to any other time. It continually comforted even Caliph’s long-tense heart.

He let go of the sword he had been gripping so tightly and exhaled a breath. Then, an indescribable warm energy touched his shoulders. It felt as if Felix had tightly grasped his shoulders. It seemed to softly whisper that he had done well, that things would no longer be difficult.

“- As you wish, from now on, she will be completely peaceful. At least, the existence that threatened her until now will completely disappear with me.”

“…….”

“- So, you, who wanted to stay here and protect Evelia with your life, I hope you can live happily without any worries.”

It was a meaningful conversation. Whether the words about the existence threatening Evelia completely disappearing with Felix, or staying here and living happily with Evelia without worries, it seemed to be a message implying finality.

He wanted to quickly inquire if those words were meant to be taken in that way, but he couldn’t bring himself to say anything.

It was too exhausting. Even holding onto the edge of consciousness was burdensome. Thus, he couldn’t even utter a single word to Felix, but it seemed like Felix already knew everything, as a short, smiling sound was heard.

“- Someday, if another miracle happens, and we meet again… Then, I’d like to spend a long, long time together as good friends.”

Felix’s words were everything. The intense blue light that seemed to blind his eyes gradually disappeared, as if absorbed by the warmth enveloping his entire body.

Between the hazy senses, a tearing scream was heard. Only then did Caliph manage to lift his eyelids, which he had barely kept shut.

“Cal! Are you okay? Come to your senses! Can you see me? Huh?”