"It, it... it's charging at us!" Terror flashed through Dangros's eyes. It sprang up and swiftly hid behind Angel.
"Watch out!" Jieke cried as well. Its slender bean vine suddenly lengthened, wrapping up all the elemental sprites aboard the ship, Anoto included. It turned itself into a shield, becoming their protection.
The Whirlwind drew closer and closer, its immense suction making it difficult for the Gondola to retreat.
Every elemental creature aboard wore fear in their eyes. Even a wind sprite like Anoto trembled before such a terrifying Whirlwind.
Just as everyone felt the powerful pulling force and the Whirlwind was about to engulf the Gondola, a sharp cry tore through the howling gale.
Dangros raised its head in confusion.
Toby, who had been perched on Angel's shoulder, suddenly flew off the ship. The moment Toby passed through the wind force field and was exposed to the crushing pressure of the Whirlwind, it gave a cry to the heavens. Its form abruptly changed, transforming into an incomparably massive flaming griffin. Its burning flesh-wings flapped as the power of flame and Gravity Veins coiled around its body. Like a sharp arrow piercing the clouds, it charged straight at the Whirlwind!
The horrifying Whirlwind, vast enough to blot out the sky and cover the earth, was pierced directly through its center by Toby, leaving behind a flaming hole.
As Toby flew through the Whirlwind, firelight shone upon the world. Clouds and mist scattered, and midnight became day.
The mighty Whirlwind, which had been spinning at high speed, began to slow to a halt. Countless cracks spread from the pierced hole, driving away and shattering all the raging winds around it.
Several seconds later, the terrifying Whirlwind that Dangros thought could tear it apart countless times dissipated completely.
Just one strike.
The fear