After the longest kiss of their lives, Idan and Arabel, realizing that it was too early to relax, barely broke away from each other.
Both of them shuddered as the strange sensation of their contact disappeared. With his departure, both felt as if they had lost something important. It was just a brief moment of intimacy, but it left a deep mark in their hearts.
It took them some more time to come to their senses and finally pay attention to what was happening around them.
"How strange, the barrier still hasn't disappeared, and I can't sense the System," Idan said, looking up at the dark barrier that showed no signs of weakening. "Last time, our connection to the System was instantly restored as soon as we killed the outsider leader. But now, even after Erza's death, the connection has not been restored."
"I also don't feel connected to Esma and Bera, although both Stars are intact and indicate that everything is fine with them," Arabel said.
