Tride’s agonizing screech echoed, its colossal body thrashing violently as the singularity consumed chunks of its flesh. Azrael gritted his teeth, his outstretched hand trembling as he controlled the black hole. Its event horizon finally lapped against Tride’s form, devouring it piece by piece.


    But the creature didn’t die quietly.


    Tride retaliated, unleashing a burst of raw energy that disintegrated the black hole entirely. The backlash slammed Azrael into the ground, blood spurting from his mouth. However, Tride’s body paid a heavy price—its once-impenetrable shell was now cracked, its rusted flesh torn and battered. It resembled a rotting corpse now, but the infernal glint of rage still burned in its remaining eye.


    “…It’s still alive?” I muttered, my voice cracking from exhaustion.


    Kaltain, who was barely standing, gave a dry chuckle. “Well… I guess this is how we die. Honestly, life was kinda fun. Can’t complain.”


    I turned to him, disbelief clear in my voice. “Why the hell are you laughing?”


    He shrugged, his lips curving into an amused grin. “I mean… if I’m gonna die, might as well die smiling, right?”


    I didn’t know whether to admire his spirit or slap him. Yet a part of me couldn’t ignore the sinking dread clenching my gut. I could feel it—our victory was supposed to be secured, and yet here Tride was… still alive, still moving.


    “…No,” I murmured, forcing my ragged breath to calm down. “We’re winning. I can still feel it.”


    As if to confirm my words, Azrael suddenly lifted his bruised hand and snapped his fingers.


    Snap!


    Another black hole emerged. This one was massive—at least five meters wide—and its gravitational pull made the very air shudder. But unlike before… something stepped out from it.


    A tall figure clad in regal, obsidian armor. Hair raven black, his hazel eyes burned with absolute dominance. His mere presence felt suffocating, like the embodiment of raw power had descended.


    “…Humanity’s strongest warrior,” Kaltain whispered, awe-struck.


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    Arceid.


    ……


    The battle ended in an instant.


    Arceid didn’t hesitate. He simply unsheathed his sword—a seemingly plain black blade—and swung it once.


    A dark violet slash erupted, cutting through both space and Tride itself. The creature’s roar was snuffed out as its entire form, along with the distorted dimension, was erased from existence.


    All of us were left gasping in shock, the sudden silence almost deafening.


    Azrael, despite his injuries, stumbled toward Arceid. “Took you long enough…” he muttered, his tone playful but strained. Blood continued dripping from his mouth.


    Arceid glanced at him, his gaze complicated. “…You’re more reckless than I expected. But I’m impressed you held out this long.”


    “Yeah, yeah. Praise me later. I’m about to pass out.” Azrael collapsed onto his knees, visibly exhausted.


    Kaltain chuckled weakly, wiping blood from his forehead. “We won… barely.”


    I looked at my own unscathed body and suddenly felt embarrassed. I’d barely contributed while those two had given everything. Some regressor I am…


    Azrael turned toward Arceid and asked something unexpected. “Hey… why aren’t my wounds healing? Usually, my body repairs itself pretty fast after using my powers.”


    Arceid answered nonchalantly. “That’s because you were wounded by external power, not your own. Your healing ability is tied to your cosmic energy, so it doesn’t recognize wounds inflicted by different energy sources.”


    Azrael raised a brow, surprised. “…Huh. That’s kinda neat. Makes sense, though.”


    “He doesn''t know about basic knowledge? While he is that strong. It doesn''t make sense.”


    A moment of silence fell between us. Then, unexpectedly, Azrael turned toward Kaltain and me. He extended his fist forward, a tired grin on his face.


    “You guys were good. Hell of a team we made, huh?”


    Kaltain, surprisingly, returned the gesture. “Yeah… not gonna lie, I enjoyed fighting alongside you.”


    I hesitated for a moment but eventually bumped fists with them. “…Vesna. Vesna Bealdhild. 19. Single.”


    Azrael chuckled. “Azrael Salisia. 19. Single as hell.”


    Kaltain grinned. “Kaltain Verge. 19. Tragically single.”


    The three of us broke into synchronized laughter despite the painful bruises and fatigue.


    After a moment, Azrael stood up, waving casually. “Alright, folks. This was fun, but I need some sleep before I drop dead. Catch you guys later!”


    “Wait, what?” I blinked. “That’s it? You’re just leaving?”


    “Yup! Catch me when you miss me.” Azrael grinned, walking off as if the entire battle hadn’t just happened.


    Kaltain scratched his head. “Weird guy. I like him.” Then he turned and left too, leaving me alone to collect myself.


    “…I should probably check on Edith.”


    ……


    I found Edith in a nearby medical camp. The efficiency of the health division was absurd, setting up a fully functioning camp in less than an hour. Typical post-disaster protocol, I suppose.


    Edith was seated inside a private tent, cross-legged and humming softly to herself. She looked… oddly content. Almost unnaturally happy, considering we almost died.


    I hesitated at the entrance, then stepped inside. “Hey… you okay?”


    Edith instantly straightened, her smile dimming into her usual cold demeanor. “I’m fine. Thanks for asking.”


    Her voice was indifferent, but the lingering trace of joy in her eyes didn’t escape me. It was unnerving.


    “…You sure? I mean, you almost died earlier.”


    She shrugged. “I’ve faced worse.”


    “…And the guy who saved you?” I finally asked, unable to hold it back any longer. “Azrael… what’s your relationship with him?”


    Edith’s expression stiffened slightly. “…I can’t answer that. Not without his permission.”


    I blinked. “Wait, what? Why the secrecy?”


    She hesitated but eventually added, “Just know we’re related. Nothing romantic. And yes—he’s single.”


    “…I wasn’t trying to hit on him,” I blurted, embarrassed.


    She smirked faintly. “Didn’t say you were.”


    Silence stretched between us, heavy and unspoken. There was something about Azrael—something unnatural. And Edith’s reaction only confirmed my growing suspicion.


    “Why did you say you don’t have the authority to talk about him?” I pressed.


    Edith simply turned away, her expression distant. “…You’ll find out soon enough.”


    And that only fueled my curiosity more.