The black mist began to spread outward—slow at first, then with gathering momentum, like a living entity devouring everything in its path.

Odian drove more power into the barrier, straining to break it. At the same time, his purifying force surged outward, colliding with the creeping darkness and forcing it back inch by inch.

Perhaps it was their proximity to him, but Zena and Drago began to stir. The haze clouding their minds thinned, then slowly dissolved.

Zena blinked, her vision sharpening as clarity returned—and the moment her eyes found Odian, her heart jolted violently.

Nina is here.

She turned at once, frantic, searching—and then she saw her.

"Nina..."

Gritting her teeth, forcing her trembling body to obey, Zena pushed herself upright and staggered forward, each step unsteady but determined.

Nina noticed it too— even Yosan seemed to be suppressed by the oppressive dark force.

She seized the fleeting opening without hesitation.

She attacked; her attack was fearless and ruthless. This time, she had no intention of holding back—she would end him in a single, decisive strike.

Yosan barely managed to evade, stumbling backward as his movements grew heavier, slower, as though something unseen was dragging him down.

But there was no escape.

The instant Nina’s vines lashed forward, surging toward him to pierce straight through his body, a violent surge of black energy erupted.

It wrapped around him completely, swallowing him whole.

"Useless thing... you will become my nourishment."

Thraxxis’ cold, merciless voice echoed through the chamber, devoid of even a trace of pity.

"Ah—!" Yosan’s scream tore through the air, his face contorting in unbearable agony. "Master!"

His body collapsed with a heavy thud, dissolving into a drifting cloud of blood mist. And in the next instant, it was devoured by the altar.

Nina’s eyes flickered, but she had no time to process it.

Zena was already stumbling toward her. She rushed forward and caught her.

"Zena, how are you feeling?"

"Nina... you came..." Zena’s face was pale as paper, yet a faint, relieved smile touched her lips. "To see you one last time... Now, I can die without regrets."

"Don’t say that," Nina said firmly. "You’ll be fine."

She immediately channeled her power into Zena, healing her as quickly as she could, then fed her a restorative pill.

"I’ll get you out first."

Without delay, Nina carried her away from the altar.

Outside, Lorin had just taken down a guard when he saw them emerge.

He rushed over. "Lady Nina! Zena––, she..."

Seeing her pale face and faint breath, his heart clenched with worry.

"Lorin," Nina said quickly, "take her out. Keep her safe."

This black mist was draining life force. Zena needed to get away—fast.

"But...!" Lorin hesitated, torn.

Lady Nina and the others were still fighting—how could he leave now?

But Zena...

"Lorin, stay and help Nina," Zena said weakly. "Don’t worry about me."

"Lorin," Nina said firmly, "listen to me. Zena can’t stay here any longer."

Lorin looked down at Zena’s pale, fading face. After a moment, he nodded. "...Understood. Lady Nina, please be careful."

"Ni...na..." Zena’s voice trembled. She didn’t want to cost Nina another powerful ally.

Nina met her gaze, steady and resolute. "I’ll defeat Thraxxis—and give you your freedom. Trust me."

Zena’s eyes filled with tears. "...I do."

I always have.

Nina gave Lorin a reassuring nod. He understood immediately, lifting Zena and carrying her away.

At the same time, Aviel and Mino joined forces and brought Sen down.

Nina turned, gathering the children into her arms—then passed them to Aviel.

"Take them out of the underground altar," she said. "I’m going to deal with Thraxxis."

"Nina—"

Neither Aviel nor Mino wanted to leave.

"I’ll be fine," Nina said calmly. "Protect them."

Reluctantly, they took the children.

"Nina... be careful. Please be careful."

Go," she urged. "It’s not safe for them here."

The little ones clung to her, reluctant.

Mother, be careful...

Nina smiled softly, brushing their heads.

"I will."

Aviel and Mino quickly pulled her into brief, tight embraces, then left with the children.

Nina turned back, just in time to see Drago struggling to climb free.

He looked at her, his expression both pitiful and resentful.

He knew that it was her companions who had awakened him, giving him the chance to escape. Otherwise... today might have been his end.

And in the end, it was her who had stormed in to save him.

"You..." He started to speak.

Nina, however, had already looked away—stepping past him without pause.

She returned to the altar.

Drago watched her go for a moment, then lowered his gaze and left.

Back at the altar, Nina looked at Odian and the others, assessing their condition.

"How are you?"

"I’m fine," Odian replied calmly, though tension lined his face, a sheen of sweat on his brow. "The barrier will break soon."

"Lady Nina, we’re holding on," Viann and the others added.

They were clearly more affected—their strength was greatly suppressed.

Idir shook his head. "I’m alright. But we need to stop this ritual quickly—the mist can’t be allowed to spread further."

Nina nodded. "Odian, keep breaking the ritual," she said. "I’ll go down and destroy Thraxxis’ eye."

"Nina—wait for me," Odian urged, concern flashing in his eyes. "It won’t take much longer."

"I can’t wait," Nina replied. "Every moment we delay, he grows stronger."

"Then I’ll go with you," Idir spoke too.

Nina nodded. "Alright."

His strength would be valuable.

"Be careful, Lady Nina," Viann and the others said. None of them volunteered to follow. They knew their limits.

"Focus on evacuating the captives," Nina instructed. "Prioritize the children. If you feel your strength draining, leave immediately—don’t push yourselves."

Her gaze shifted briefly.

"And take Mona and Winny out as well."

Protected by the barrier, they were still safe—for now.

Viann and the others moved at once.

Nina took out the blue crystal Eldros had given her.

As she activated its power, a ripple of light spread outward.

Then, she and Idir stepped forward and vanished into the seal.