Gelman's head swam as he pieced together the "Dark Sonata," yet he still managed to withstand the assault from "Darkness."
"Darkness" wasn't particularly fast, but every attack struck a vital point, leaving no room to evade.
Only during the pause after the first movement did Gelman have enough strength to counterattack, reflecting "Darkness's" moves one by one.
But when the second movement began, he was once again at a disadvantage, suppressed by "Darkness" and granted only brief moments to catch his breath.
With his senses steadily fading, he had to pinpoint "Darkness's" position. With his body contorted into extreme positions, he had to dodge "Darkness's" attacks.
Counterattacking grew increasingly difficult, while getting hurt grew increasingly easy.
The wounds accumulating on Gelman's body were growing more numerous, while "Darkness" had only a few cuts he'd left behind...
If this continued, he might be gravely wounded by "Darkness" before the second movement ended.
But he had to hold out until it did, because he knew there would be a brief pause then.
As long as he seized that moment, he still had a chance.
As if it had seen through Gelman's thoughts, "Darkness" laughed, its laughter echoing through the endless world.
"You want to seize that fleeting moment? No one has ever managed it. Go on, give it a try. Let me see why you're the one who made it this far."
The "Scythe of Funeral" clashed once more with the "Demon King's Scepter," but the shockwaves failed to interrupt the "Dark Sonata."
It kept going.
But then a faint, discordant sound broke through.
Like a wrong note, it abruptly intruded on the eerie, terrifying music, instantly ruining its overall beauty.
Ordinary people might not have noticed, but nearly everyone here was highly accomplished in music. There was no way they could