Rico stumbled backwards, his hand clutching his chest as he collapsed to the ground. Kira gasped in horror, tears streaming down her face as she ran towards Rico, trying to shake him awake.
"Rico! Wake up, please!" Kira cried out, her voice breaking with emotion.
But Rico remained motionless, his eyes closed as blood seeped through his fingers. Kira sobbed, her heart breaking at the thought of losing him.
Shinon had been watching the scene unfold but couldn't process it. Not until he saw the bear move from the corner of his eyes. Without a second thought, Shinon swung his blade in a massive arc, cleanly separating the beast's head from the rest of its body.
The bear let out a final roar before going limp, its body falling to the ground. Shinon rushed towards Kira and Rico, his heart pounding with fear. He knelt beside Rico and carefully lifted his hand, inspecting the wound.
