Masato and Aiko's forces engaged in a fierce battle against the awakened Ancient creature outside the temple. The sorcerers unleash a barrage of energy attacks, but the Ancient's regenerative abilities make them incredibly difficult to put down for good.
Masato summons his ice dragon, the spectral beast slamming into the creature and freezing them solid. But for every one they take down, two more take its place.
The soldiers provide support with their firearms, but the bullets simply bounce off the Ancients' armored hides.
"There's too many of them!" a soldier yells, his rifle empty. Aiko grits her teeth, her mind racing.
"We need more power. Masato, can you hold them off?"
Masato nods his hands glowing with energy. "I'll buy you some time. Go, I'II be right behind you ." Aiko hesitates, then turns to the troops. "Fall back to the secondary position! Masato, don't do anything reckless!"
As the other retreat, Masato unleashes a devastating attack, his ice dragon tearing through the Ancient creatures. But they keep coming, their regenerative abilities making them nearly unstoppable. Masato staggers, his energy running low.
Akuma watches from the temple entrance, a twisted smile on its monstrous face. "Yes, fight, sorcerer.
It raises its hand, and the temple begins to glow with an unearthly light.
The scene shifts to Aiko and the other, regrouping at a safe distance.
"Where's" Masato?"
she demands. A soldier shakes his head. "He's still out there. We couldn't get to him."
Aiko's eyes widen in horror as a massive explosion rocks the temple. A shockwave ripples outwards, and the earth begins to tremble.
"No...." she whispers, her face pale. "Masato...."