Fading darkness.
With the brilliance of the shining light, the slithering shadows receded. They coiled back, their fates undecided.
In that moment, hope was lit anew. The onlookers were filled with a sense of relief, and it seemed that they could finally breathe after their achievement.
However, this sweet delusion only lasted a brief moment.
"Haaaa… hahaha…. ahahahaha…"
The malevolent cackle of the monster they all feared echoed through the air, bringing the hopeful group back to their senses. The battle wasn't over.
Not yet.
"That hurt, you know?"
A dark, purple mist rose from Merlin's body as he once again appeared. It seemed like a good chunk of the lower part of his body was missing, but it was being restored exceedingly fast.
The dark clouds returned, and the situation reverted to how it had been before their assumed victory.
Nothing had changed.
"I take it back. You're a pretty good team. I underestimated your powers."
