Eternal XXVI

The final strike had clearly worked.

The world receded like a tide, turning into patches of light that fluttered like butterflies before scattering one by one. Once the endless plains beneath the setting sun faded away, one scene replaced another, leaving behind the unchanged view of the cavern frozen beneath the Ten Thousand Years of Cold Ice. A cold wind howled past, making Brando and Charles shiver. "My lord!?" Before they could react, Medisa's concerned voice reached them. Another questioning voice sounded somewhat steadier. "Brando, did that thing pull you into the Plain of Extremes—?" It was the deep, alluring voice of Veronica, the female Legion Commander.

The Plain of Extremes? Brando abruptly raised his head, but there was no trace of dusk, sunset, or wilderness around him. Only the dim blue cavern remained. The Firas couple, Veronica, the Little Female Dragon and her gluttonous little brother, Qian, Medisa and the hunter girl she was supporting, Grey Sword Saint Mephisto, as well as the Prince and the First Prince of the Cruzian people standing farther away—all of them were here. Everything looked as though nothing had happened at all. Brando swept his gaze around before finally landing on Babasha and the witches beside her.

A fervent light burned in Babasha's eyes. The witches, who normally seemed disdainful of dealing with mortals, were exchanging glances with one another. Without exception, however, they all looked at Brando with surprise and suspicion.

Then there were the Little Female Dragon's slightly puzzled golden eyes, which seemed to hold a flame within them.

"There's a strange smell on you." Aloz sniffed, frowning as she asked.

Brando drew in a breath. His body was covered in wounds, and the pain made him bare his teeth, but upon hearing the Little Female Dragon's question, he unexpectedly fell