"Sapphire, how's Julius doing?"
"There's still no improvement... he hasn't regained consciousness. Same condition as before."
"If we succeed in our project, there's a real chance we can bring Julius back."
"Only if he stays alive inside the game until then."
"I know. And I believe... he will survive."
"Let's hope so, Sebastian. Let's just hope so."
"Mr. Koruto... would you like to know a secret?"
"If you think it's a secret that could affect me or my team... then sure."
"Heh. Good answer."
"Everyone—remove your cloaks."
As their cloaks fell, Julius's eyes widened—not just his, but Saya's too. What they saw made their stomachs sink.
The small cloaked figure beside Wilhelm… was the same old man who had told Julius about the Inn.
Next to him stood Inn's owner and her daughter.
And the remaining two—one carrying a sword, and the other's hands hidden beneath his cloak—were none other than Lily and the boy who was with her.
"H-Huh? You've got to be kidding me…"
Julius spoke in a voice cracked with despair. He hadn't expected this. Not in the slightest.
"Mr. Koruto... did you really think you could beat me?" Wilhelm said, eyes gleaming.
"We were watching you the entire time. EVERY. SECOND. We knew everything. But there's one thing I still can't figure out—this archer."
"Inside the town, it was only you and the swordwoman. No one else. So tell me—should I assume you have more allies that you're hiding? Or maybe... summoning them requires resources you don't currently have? Tell me, Mr. Koruto."
Julius stayed silent.
Then Serena stepped forward.
"Master, I followed you because I believed in you. Saya too. I don't know what you're thinking, but please... don't give in to despair. You're our strength—and we are yours. Never forget that."
Julius took a deep breath.
"Saya, can you fight?"
"If it's your command, I will slay anyone for you, Master." she replied, calm and composed.
"Very well. Serena, Saya... these people are our enemies. We will kill them and save that dragon. Ready?"
"Yes, Master!" both said in perfect sync.
Suddenly, the boy dashed toward Julius with killing intent, but Saya leapt in front, black katana drawn, eyes cold and focused. She blocked his strike with ease.
But this time, Lily joined in, sword drawn—an elegant yet deadly blade.
She slashed toward Saya, but Saya reacted instantly—backflipping into the air, landing behind Lily mid-spin and kicking her in the face with precision.
Saya followed up with a dash, slashing at the boy again. He barely managed to block her strike, but the impact was so strong, it sent him crashing into Lily.
Meanwhile, the mother and daughter charged toward Julius—but Serena intervened, launching a volley of standard arrows to stop them.
"Master, leave the women to me."
"Sure—but be careful, Serena."
"Of course!" she answered cheerfully.
Wilhelm narrowed his eyes.
"Mr. Koruto… do you really think you can defeat me and Mr. Rex alone?"
"Absolutely not. If I fought you two alone… I'd die for sure."
"Then what's your plan? Your archer and swordwoman are already occupied."
Julius smirked.
"Oh? Did I ever say that Saya and Serena were my only allies?"
Saya glanced back at Julius. She had an idea what he meant—but Serena looked confused.
"Master, I don't think you have enough Roses left to summon a new Maiden..." Serena said.
"Don't worry, Serena. I'm not summoning a Maiden."
"Open Inventory."
"Summon Solvarin's Feather."
He took the feather's solid core and placed it between his lips, blowing air through it—
WHISTLEEEE
Wilhelm raised an eyebrow.
"What's the point of that whistle, Mr. Koruto?"
Then his expression changed.
"Wait… that feather—where did you get it!? Mr. Koruto!" Wilhelm's voice trembled with unease.
A sharp cry echoed through the air—
KIYAHHHHH!!
There, just a meter above the ground behind Julius, hovered Solvarin, majestic and fierce.
Saya turned in surprise.
"But Master... how did he get past the barrier?"
"You see… this barrier is under the dragon's control. And the moment she realized we came to help her, she allowed Solvarin through the moment I whistled."
Wilhelm's face twisted in frustration.
"Even if you have Solvarin's help… you'll still lose."
Julius's eyes narrowed.
"We'll see about that... Mr. Reign."
"Solvarin, will you aid me in this fight?"
Julius asked, his voice steady as he looked toward the majestic beast.
KIYAHHH!!
Solvarin let out a piercing cry that echoed through the air.
"I'll take that as a yes," Julius smirked, lowering into his fighting stance.
At that moment, the air around him began to swirl violently.
The very wind itself danced around his hands, circling him like loyal guardians—as if Julius had become one with the element.
The air thickened with tension as Saya stepped forward, her black katana shimmering faintly in the dim light. Her eyes were cold, precise—locked on her opponents: Lily, calm and poised, her ornate silver sword reflecting a noble heritage, and the boy, taller, broader, with a rugged blade meant for raw force. The trio stood in a silent triangle, and then—
Clang!
Saya dashed first, faster than the eye could trace. She appeared in front of the boy in a blur, her katana slicing in a wide arc. He barely raised his blade in time to block, but the sheer force of the impact slid him back two meters across the ground.
"She's faster than before," Lily muttered, already moving.
Saya twisted mid-air, her katana crashing down again—one, two, three heavy strikes in succession—each carrying the weight of raw momentum. The boy gritted his teeth, parrying each blow but retreating every time. The last strike sent vibrations through his bones.
From the side, Lily intercepted Saya's fourth attack with elegant precision. Their swords clashed, metal screeching, but Saya didn't stay. Instead, she pivoted low and launched a spinning kick right into Lily's ribs.
Thwack!
Lily was thrown sideways, crashing against the ground but rolling to her feet with a pained grunt.
"She's not just fast—she's reading our defense," the boy growled.
He charged now, swinging downward with his heavy blade. Saya dodged to the left and retaliated with a brutal axe-kick to his shoulder, sending him staggering.
The rhythm shifted.
Saya no longer relied solely on her katana. She used it to pressure and fake, then unleashed a barrage of acrobatic kicks—roundhouse to the boy's jaw, a backflip kick toward Lily, who ducked just in time.
Both opponents tried to flank her, swords raised, but Saya twisted between them in mid-air and delivered a double kick, one foot catching Lily in the stomach and the other striking the boy's chest.
Boom!
They flew apart again.
Saya landed light on her feet, breathing steady, not a drop of sweat on her brow. Her katana gleamed at her side.
"You're strong," Lily said through clenched teeth, wiping blood from her lips. "But you won't break our defense."
"I don't need to," Saya replied coolly. "I only need to remind you—your stance is too slow."
The boy rushed again, trying to grab momentum. Saya sidestepped, sheathed her katana in a flash, and drove a powerful knee into his gut, sending him sprawling.
Just as she was about to press the advantage—
BOOM!
A distant explosion rocked the battlefield. Smoke and debris scattered into the air, forcing all three to halt.
They stood apart, breathing hard.
No one had fallen.
Saya flicked her katana free again, her gaze calm but unwavering.
"Next time," she said, "I won't hold back my blade."
The boy groaned. Lily smirked faintly.
"We'll be ready."