"That was incredible!" Nobu exclaims, his eyes flickering with a vibrant orange glow. He propels himself off the towering wall, soaring through the air toward his comrade. "Your last attack was effective on the..."
However, just as he's suspended mid-air, the agonizing repercussions of Yagami's potent healing abilities surge through his body once more, causing him to plummet face-first to the ground. "Ow ow ow ow..." Nobu grumbles, his voice tinged with pain. Gradually, he musters the strength to lift himself, a wry smile forming on his face. "Well, that certainly caught me off guard... Again..."
"It caught both of us off guard..." Magnus chimes in, his astonishment evident as he observes Nobu's unexpected tumble. Before he can delve into an explanation, however, his friend interjects with a mix of concern and frustration. "Why on earth were you holding back all this time, you dumb fart?" Nobu questions, his hands gripping Magnus' shoulders as he vigorously shakes him. "If you had unleashed that power earlier, we could have spared ourselves this pain-in-the-butt ordeal!"
"I know, I know. I'm sorry," Magnus replies, managing to calm Nobu down and halt the shaking. "Just to make it clear, I wasn't born a spirit host, but my family implanted its power on me that's why I found it hard to accept."
"But it's just as you said," Continues Magnus, a touch of empathy in his voice. "If I'm willing to overcome this curse and move forward, I must wholeheartedly embrace it, turning it into a force for good."
As Magnus finishes his last sentence, the colossal monster completes its regeneration, unleashing a thunderous roar that demands the full attention of both Nobu and Magnus. Nobu's expression shifts to a subtle blend of bemusement and determination as he rubs the back of his head. "Well," he begins, his voice calm and collected, "it seems your attack didn't quite spare us as much pain in the butt as I had hoped."
Magnus can't help but be astounded by Nobu's seemingly nonchalant demeanor. He retorts, a touch of incredulity in his voice, "You've got to be kidding me. Can't you at least show some gratitude? I just saved you back there!"
Their conversation is abruptly interrupted as the enraged monster launches a devastating barrage of thorns toward them. The power behind this attack far surpasses its previous onslaught, clearly incensed by the spell Magnus had managed to land. Fortunately, both Nobu and Magnus find themselves in close proximity to the colossal wall of steel, seeking refuge behind its towering structure.
Nobu breaks the tense silence, his voice steady amidst the chaos. "Hey, Magnus," he chimes in, his eyes fixed on their precarious shield, "how much longer can this huge wall made out of steel forged by Titans hold firm?"
"It's called the Titanforge Barrier!" Magnus retorts, his words somewhat stuttered by the intensity of the situation. "And if it manages to withstand this assault, it might endure one more, but that's as far as it'll go."
As if to underscore Magnus' words, the impact between the thorns and the indomitable wall sends shockwaves reverberating through the air, causing even the bravest of souls to break into a sweat. Nobu's unwavering resolve, however, remains unyielding. "Well," he declares resolutely, "let's hope that it can withstand yet another attack."
A weighty silence settles between them as Nobu's words hang in the air, his eyes now shimmering with an intense gleam of purple. He turns his gaze toward Magnus, compelling him to face the gravity of his proposition. "There's something that has been on my mind," Nobu continues, his voice steady but laced with a tinge of apprehension. "I must warn you, though, it carries significant risks. It could cost me my life, it might not even work, and there's a chance it could harm everyone within this treacherous temple. For this plan to have any chance of success, we'll need you to unleash that Gorilla punch of yours, holing the chest of the Grim-Thorns' chest once more."
A sense of foreboding fills the air as Nobu's energy starts to accumulate, twisting and distorting the magical essence of the surroundings. It's a sight that sends shivers down Magnus' spine, as he realizes the magnitude of what Nobu is suggesting. Nonetheless, he understands the dire circumstances they are facing, with no other viable options at hand.
Nobu's gaze intensifies, piercing into Magnus' very soul. "So, tell me, Magnus," he speaks, his voice low and resonating with an unexpected raw intensity. "Are you willing to take this risk? Will you stand by my side and give this audacious plan a shot, despite the uncertainties that lie ahead?"
Magnus feels the weight of his friend's unwavering determination bearing down on him, and for a fleeting moment, he glimpses the magnitude of the trust placed upon him. The world seems to hold its breath, waiting for his response.
"I can..." Magnus responds, his voice resolute as he struggles to maintain his balance against the overwhelming power emanating from Nobu. "I believe I can summon the strength to use the Titansteel Gauntlet once more. But, Nobu, I can't bear the thought of you sacrificing your life to defeat this creature. There must be another way."
"There's no other way," Nobu closes his eyes, his features softening as if touched by a gentle breeze. The innocence of a newborn seems to radiate from him, a glimpse into the purity of his heart. "It's all right, Magnus," he reassures, his voice filled with a sense of serenity. "My dream has always been to protect your dreams. Trust me, I will do everything in my power to ensure our victory."
A tremor runs through Magnus' lips as he tightly clenches his hands, a mixture of emotions swelling within him. With renewed determination, he turns his gaze toward the towering wall, resuming his fighting stance. "When the Grim-Thorns shatters this wall, I will unleash my spell," he declares, his voice firm and unwavering.
"Understood!" exclaims Nobu, leaping backward to create distance and assuming a poised position, ready to spring into action at a moment's notice.
In that pivotal moment, their unbreakable bond and unwavering resolve form an unspoken pact. Their dreams intertwine and the weight of their shared destiny looms large. With their spirits intertwined, they prepare to face the impending chaos one last time with everything they've got, for within the depths of their hearts burns an unyielding flame that refuses to be extinguished.
With another thunderous assault, the monster hurdles its thorns, obliterating the colossal wall into nothingness, exactly as Magnus had expected. At that precise moment, as the debris scatter, the path to their foe lies open and Magnus propels himself into action. He leaps toward the enemy, his voice resonating with power as he enchants, "Mythical Magic: Titansteel Gauntlet!" His hand grows to colossal proportions, delivering a resounding blow that leaves a gaping hole in the beast's chest.
"That attack drained the hell out of me," Magnus mutters in his thoughts, acknowledging the recklessness of employing three mythical spells consecutively. However, he can't shake the feeling that what lies in Nobu's mind is far more audacious, more daring than anything they had attempted thus far.
"Nobu!" Magnus's voice pierces the chaos as he soars through the air, his eyes fixed on his friend. In an astounding display of speed, Nobu darts past him, as Magnus harnesses the very last remnants of energy within his body to voice his intentions. "The stage is yours now," He declares, his voice carrying the weight of their shared journey. "Let the audience applaud our performance!"
With resolute determination, Nobu propels himself towards the wounded monster, wedging himself into the gaping hole in its chest. The sight leaves Magnus utterly dumbfounded, his voice erupting in a scream that reverberates through the chaotic battlefield. "What in the world do you think you're doing?" he bellows, his anguish and shock intermingling in a desperate plea.
The Grim-Thorns, wracked with pain, swiftly initiates its regenerative powers, the flesh closing in on Nobu, ensnaring his legs within its grotesque grasp. Nobu's voice trembles, a sense of unease permeating his words. "Guys," he mutters, his tone tinged with both apology and determination, "this may cause you some discomfort. I apologize in advance."
The concentration radiating from Nobu surpasses any display of power he had ever exhibited before. The veins on his bracer widen, merging with his own, as he harnesses his unleashed might. He taps into the essence surrounding him, drawing it toward himself with an almost insatiable hunger.
Unwanted shockwaves ripple through the battleground once more, as Nobu commences his draining assault, siphoning the life essence that permeates the very fabric of their surroundings. Magnus can feel his heart racing frantically, his soul teetering on the edge of existence. Fear and agony clutches at him, rendering his voice barely audible as he manages to mutter, "N...Nobu... What... What are you?"
"Even if your regenerative abilities make you physically immortal," Screams Nobu, all of the essence flowing to him as his body flames with disturbing energy while he's trying his best not to take his friends' lives, "Your life essence will never regenerate if it's sucked! I can tell that much!"
In a clash of titanic forces, the monster and Nobu unleash deafening roars that reverberate through the very essence of their being. The Grim-Thorns, its flesh closing in on Nobu, seems determined to consume him, while the boy unleashes the raw power of his true self. The shockwaves of Nobu's unknown power ripple across the temple, reaching Magnus, Reina, Sayuri, Katsu, the unconscious Tobio, Yamato, and even the relentlessly running Satomi. They all become acutely aware that their lives hang precariously in the balance, threatened by this unfathomable and truly cursed power.
The once menacing and vibrant eyes of the ancient monster gradually fade, losing their color as if succumbing to the overwhelming force that assailed it. Its regenerative capabilities abruptly halt, its body refusing to obey as it tumbles to the ground, sending a billowing cloud of dust into the air upon impact.
As the tumultuous torrent of energy ceases, Nobu abruptly halts his consumption of the life essence, releasing his hold on the divine being's power. Emerging from the grasp of the Grim-Thorns, his eyes bare an unsettling emptiness, devoid of all substance. They appear as mere voids, unbound by the constraints of matter. Meanwhile, his lips curve into a twisted smile, revealing a darkness that seems to consume all light, punctuated by faintly shimmering specks.
Nobu's visage now bares an indescribable horror, an enigma that defies all understanding. He turns his gaze toward Magnus, whose body still trembles in the aftermath of what he had just witnessed. Fear etches deep within Magnus' being, his very soul shaken by the unfathomable depths of Nobu's newfound power. For in that moment, Nobu stands before him as a being capable of extracting the essence of one's very soul.
In the wake of that profound and unsettling moment, the full weight of Nobu's unleashed power settles upon them, casting a heavy shroud over their collective consciousness. The enormity of his abilities and the sacrifices that accompanied them become glaringly apparent. Magnus, his heart a tempest of conflicting emotions, finally finds the strength to rise, his gaze fixed upon Nobu, who now appears to be returning to his normal state. Meanwhile, Nobu clutches his chest in evident pain, a testament to the toll his unfathomable abilities exacted upon him, along with the healing's side effects.
"I can no longer consider my powers cursed anymore," Magnus declares, his voice filled with a mixture of awe and trepidation, as he closes the distance between himself and his pained friend. "It felt as though you were drawing some years of my lifespan. It was truly terrifying, Nobu."
Barely able to form coherent words, Nobu mutters, his voice trembling with remnants of pain, "It... It... It felt like the only way to... To defeat it..." The intensity of the ordeal he had just endured is etched into every fiber of his being. Yet, even as the agony slowly subsides, the consequences of his raw power reverberate through the crumbling building.
The sheer display of Nobu's unleashed energy has disrupted the delicate equilibrium that has sustained the structure of the dungeon, severing its connection to the magical forces that once enhanced its stability. The result is immediate and catastrophic—the building begins to collapse in on itself, succumbing to the inevitable forces of gravity.
Realizing the imminent danger, Magnus urgently takes charge, his voice filled with a mix of fear and urgency. "Nobu, we have to get out of here—now!" He steadies his friend, aiding him in finding his footing amidst the chaos that surrounds them. As they struggle to navigate the crumbling debris and fleeing individuals, Magnus' eyes catch sight of Tobio's motionless body. To his astonishment, a sinister dark matter seeps from their fallen foe's form, dissipating into the ether as if it has never existed.
A wave of confusion washes over Magnus as he bares witness to this surreal phenomenon. The events of the day have already surpassed the boundaries of what he has deemed possible, and now, faced with another inexplicable occurrence, he yearns for respite from the unending series of surprises. "What else am I about to witness today?" he exclaims, his tone laden with bewilderment. "I've had my fill of excitement today. Please, no more surprises."
Suddenly, while Magnus is still trying to comprehend Tobio's disappearance and in a desperate act, Nobu forcefully grabs his friend's arm and hurls him through a hastily created hole in the crumbling wall, propelling the boy out of the collapsing building. As debris continues to rain down around him, Nobu's anguished screams fill the air, the weight of the situation pressing upon him like an insurmountable burden.
"Magnus! Run away! You need to get out of here!" Nobu's voice echoes through the chaos, pleading with Magnus to prioritize his own safety.
But Magnus, fueled by unwavering loyalty, refuses to abandon his friend in this dire moment. His voice resolute, he responds, "Not without you!" He strains against the instinct to flee, his every fiber yearning to return and aid his comrade.
Nobu's voice pierces through the chaos once more, reassuring Magnus, "I'll be alright! I'm going after Reina and Satomi. Just go!"
As if mocking their determination, a colossal chunk of the ceiling crashes down, severing the connection between the two friends. Panic seizes Magnus, his heart pounding in his chest. "Nobu! Nobu!" he cries out, his voice filled with desperation and anguish. He unleashes a flurry of powerful strikes with his gauntlets, determined to shatter the obstructing rocks. Yet, with each mighty blow, more pillars and rubble descend, making his efforts increasingly futile.
"Damn it!" Dread and guilt surge within Magnus, threatening to overwhelm him. Frustrated, he grits his teeth, his resolve intensifying. He knows he needs to find help, to gather reinforcements capable of aiding in their rescue mission. With a determined grimace, he makes a solemn vow. "You better hang in there! All of you," Magnus' voice resounds with concern and unwavering determination. "Damn it! Why does he keep putting himself in such absurd situations?"
Meanwhile, at the end of the road, Reina lies motionless, his eyes closed as if deprived of the very essence of life. The chains that had relentlessly drained his arcane energy now rest loosely, discarded, and forgotten. His broken arm, a testament to the brutal toll exacted by the fierce battle against Nobu, hangs limply by his side. Waves of shock and force unleashed by Nobu's immense power have left him drained, his body battered and fatigued. At this moment, he appears utterly defeated, devoid of hope, and incapable of action.
"Ever since I was little," Reina muses, his thoughts echoing in the depths of his consciousness, "I've been placed on a pedestal, revered for my talents, and praised as the savior of those around me. But what happens when I can no longer fulfill that role? Will I be cast aside and forgotten?"
His eyes remain closed, shielding his vulnerable thoughts from the outside world. The weight of his broken arm and the drain on his arcane energy serve as constant reminders of his current state. Doubt creeps in, clouding his mind with a sense of hopelessness.
"I've always been the shining star, the one who could single-handedly vanquish darkness and bring hope to the masses," Reina continues, his voice barely a whisper. "But if I can't save myself, if I become powerless and weak, will they still cherish and remember me?"
The fear of fading into oblivion gnaws at his soul. Reina longs for a perpetual place in the hearts and minds of those who look up to him. The idea of being forgotten terrifies him, driving him to contemplate extreme measures.
"Would it be better to die than to live in obscurity?" he ponders, his thoughts laced with a mix of desperation and resignation. The allure of escaping a world where his worth is tied solely to his abilities tugs at him, tempting him with the illusion of control.
But amidst the darkness that threatens to engulf him, a flicker of resilience emerges. Memories of camaraderie and the warmth of genuine connections begin to pierce through the shadows of despair. Reina recognizes that his value extends beyond his fighting prowess and the accolades he has received, "Is this my life flashing in front of my eyes?"
As Reina teeters on the edge of surrender, a faint voice pierces through the darkness, beckoning him to cling to life with unwavering determination. The distant sound washes over him, thawing the chill in his body and infusing him with a glimmer of hope.
He strains his ears, trying to discern the source of the voice. "Is that... Satomi?" he whispers to himself, his mind grasping at the possibility of her presence. A soft, wistful smile graces his lips as he entertains the notion. Yet, skepticism lingers in his thoughts, reminding him of the harsh reality.
"No, it couldn't be," Reina muses, his voice tinged with a mix of disbelief and yearning. "It's merely my mind playing tricks on me, deceiving me into grasping at false hope. What I'm truly hearing is the ominous rumbling of a collapsing building, not her sweet voice calling out to me."
His heart aches with the bittersweet irony of his imagination conjuring the one voice he longs to hear in his darkest hour. The thought of Satomi's soothing presence brings both comfort and a pang of longing, amplifying the turmoil within his weary soul.
"Open your eyes already!" Satomi's voice resounds with desperate urgency, echoing through the chaos that surrounds them. Her words slice through the haze that envelops Reina's consciousness, compelling him to heed her call. With a flicker of awareness, his eyelids flutter open, revealing eyes brimming with weariness and longing.
Their gazes lock, and in that profound moment, a spark of hope reignites within Reina's heart. "S... Satomi..." he whispers, his voice barely audible but laced with gratitude and relief.
Satomi raises her sword, her determination radiating from every fiber of her being. With a swift and decisive swing, she severs the chains that had ensnared Reina, their grip on his magical energy broken. The oppressive weight that had burdened him begins to lift, and the vitality of life courses back through his veins.
"Take a deep breath," Satomi commands, her voice infused with strength and unwavering resolve. She guides Reina's unsteady hand, placing it firmly around her shoulders, and supporting him as he struggles to find his footing. Her unwavering presence becomes his anchor, offering solace and encouragement in the face of uncertainty.
"Just because some foolish magic has escaped you," she continues, her voice brimming with conviction, "does not signify the end of your journey. You are not defined by the power you possess but by the strength of your spirit and the bonds we share."
"Reina, you weren't thinking about giving up right now, were you? Because that's so uncool! That's not the Reina we know!"