"Buzzz—!"
At that moment, destructive energy spread from high in the sky, causing ripples to rise even through the space that had been shattered into nothingness.
Beneath those ripples, the ice and snow, the raging winds, the atmosphere, and even the clouds high above all vanished with a boom, as though an invisible mouth had devoured them alive. It was terrifying beyond measure.
On the ground, the two armies of Flame Haze Warriors and Crimson Realm Denizens, who had been steadily retreating under Jeanne and Black Catty's cover, had long since completely lost their ability to react.
Countless people stared blankly at the terrifying explosion sweeping across the sky.
A tremor close to despair spread through their hearts.
Even Belphegor's enchanting eyes trembled ceaselessly, her face filled with horror.
"H-how is this possible!? How could a human possess that kind of power!?"
It was not only Belphegor. Shudenan, too, coughed murky violet fire dust from his mouth, his face equally horrified.
Even Black Catty found it difficult to breathe, her clear eyes shifting.
"Alliance Leader..."
With a murmur no one could hear, Black Catty suddenly sprang from where she stood and darted into the distance.
"Black Catty!"
Shudenan was alarmed. Then, disregarding his severely wounded, dying body, he let murky violet flames blaze across his entire body with a roar. Transforming into a ferocious beast that resembled both a tiger and a demon, he beat the bat wings on his back and charged after Black Catty.
"Wait!"
Belphegor finally reacted, looking uncharacteristically caught off guard.
But seeing Black Catty suddenly rush out, Belphegor understood.
"Is the Alliance Leader in danger...!?"
Otherwise, Black Catty would not have reacted so fiercely.
Although the Three Pillars were all Retainers of the Creation God, their duties were clearly defined.
Shudenan was the general meant