It was time to make a decisive move, to tip the scales in their favor before it was too late.
Steeling herself, the First Seat readied a plan, one that would either shift the tide of battle—or see them all engulfed in Solaris' radiant wrath.
"I will take care of the ribbons. Both of you find a way to work together and defeat Solaris," ordered the dragoness before slipping into her inner world.
"Are you sure you can hold up?" questioned Medusa, who assumed the form of her monster self as she looked at Mavislin.
"Don't treat me as a child. I can hold up and will do so to grant our team victory. Do not forget that it was I who managed to reign you in when you were out of control," said the dragoness, facing forward while steadying her heart.
"I have not. However, are you willing to use this spell to the extent of what it might do to your psyche? You have already absorbed most of my past, a normal mortal mind cannot comprehend what I've gone through. And I will never wish for you to experience such pain."
"Pain is nothing more than a hindrance to me. I no longer have the ability to empathize with anyone nor do I care at this point. A normal mortal mind cannot understand because they can feel and process psychological pain."
"I have passed such notions and burned whatever pain I had when I went back to destroy that orphanage. My world is nothing but black and red."
"But you might get a chance to see the world in other colors! If you were to stop now, it's not too late-"
"From the very beginning, I've sworn to place my life on the line and my heart on the frontlines. And this is no exception."
"Besides, it's time to give my little bunny the spotlight. See if he is worthy to clinch the title of my Second Seat," ordered Mavislin, proudly turning around and facing Gorgon's demon-like stare.
"Very well... Allow my girls to take dispose of those pests. They are so very hungry..." declared Gorgon as she smiled while looking at the determined dragoness.
Ah... If only I had such determination, perhaps I would've been able to stand up to her. Maybe even saved myself and my sisters... I guess I was too emotional and weak to stand up against-
"It was never your fault. You were emotional and weak but it's not your fault. You had every right to be upset after she's done and accused you of. I'm just put off that you didn't harbor any hate against her. Instead, you blamed yourself."
"Which you should have never. That's the difference between our mentality. And that I'm stronger than you in that aspect," explained the dragoness, causing the Gorgon's eyes to widen.
"I see..."
As Gorgon began to dissipate, Mavislin stepped confidently through her vanishing form, emerging into the present once more.
She was resolute and ready to conclude the battle against Solaris.
"Guardians of the blood fort, awake! Rise, my writhing serpents, let hunger take. Feast, my daughters, devour all that comes before you... Leave none unscathed by your hand," chanted the dragoness, as Solaris shot a glare toward the towering form.
"No... You won't!" shouted the Queen of the Sun, leaping towards the giantess while spinning her staff.
As Solaris leaped upward and charged toward Mavislin with lightning speed, the Viceroy swiftly intercepted her, poised to seize her soul without relenting.
Zenos moved with blinding agility, unleashing a relentless horizontal cyclone of slashes at Solaris, who barely had time to react. Forced back to the ground, Solaris screamed, commanding her ribbons to intensify their assault on the Viceroy.
Though Zenos wisely chose not to pursue, the separation he created put him at a tactical disadvantage. Seizing the opportunity, Mattheos sprang into action, swinging his weapon down upon the crouched Queen of the Sun.
However, he was met by a shield of Solaris's ribbons, deflecting his strike.
"To hell with this!" shouted Matt as he poured his mana into the blade and slashed away the threads.
Mattheos completed a full circular rotation, and as he faced Solaris again, his transformation into his Alter form was instantaneous. He brought his blade crashing down against Solaris's staff, leaving her stunned.
"This feeling... The Mad King of Flames?!" questioned Solaris, out of fear.
"Correct... Even though I truly don't want to show this side of me to Mavislin, I've got no choice against an annoying little brat like you!" roared the bunny, pushing back Solaris as he quickly switched his footing to kick her away.
However, the Queen of the Sun merely laughed as she directed her ribbons towards Mattheos. With more of those vexing, explosive ribbons at her disposal, it was clear that victory remained far out of reach.