---
Dabi dashed through the dark streets, the glow of the capital city faint in the distance as he followed the trail of Loira's aura.
Her presence flickered, fading in and out like a dying ember, but he knew she was still alive.
The weight of Zarek's malevolent energy loomed just beyond his senses, pushing him forward.
He was close closer than ever but he needed help. Zarek wasn't an ordinary foe.
He was a seasoned Abyssal Knight, far stronger than Dabi at this moment, and Loira was likely in worse shape than he feared.
As he reached the outskirts of the city, a faint buzzing broke his focus.
His communication crystal vibrated in his pocket, the faint blue light signaling an incoming call.
Dabi tapped the crystal without slowing his pace, his eyes still scanning the rooftops and dark alleys ahead.
"Zen?" Dabi's voice was rough, edged with urgency.
