When Kazuichi came to, he found himself lying on his back, staring up at the sky. The sun was blinding, and he had to squint to make out the figures standing around him. His head throbbed, and his entire body ached as if he had been hit by a freight train.
"Kazuichi! Are you okay?"
The voice was familiar, but it took a moment for Kazuichi to place it. He turned his head slightly, blinking against the harsh light. Arisu was kneeling beside him, her face etched with concern. Beside her were Jurou, Lea, and Ayaka, all looking equally worried.
"What… happened?" Kazuichi croaked, his throat dry and scratchy. He tried to sit up, but a wave of dizziness forced him back down.
"You collapsed during the fight," Arisu explained, her voice gentle but urgent. "You were doing great, and then… you just went down. It was like you lost all your energy at once."
