Bzzzt-
Anderson suddenly felt a searing heat in the cabin. Sensation returned to his body and Spirit Body at the same time, but all he could see was a pure white glare that forced his eyes shut. His ears were filled with a buzzing roar, as though a steam whistle were blasting right beside them.
Aboard the Future, which had just drawn close, everyone involuntarily closed their eyes.
The blinding light lasted several seconds before gradually dimming.
Once their eyes had adjusted a little, they saw Cyril standing quietly at the bow of the Black Tulip. He seemed to glow, as though enveloped in a layer of clear, pure radiance.
Not a single undead creature remained in these waters, not a trace of darkness, not a hint of death...
Frank studied him carefully for a while, then said in a puzzled, subdued voice:
"He looks holier than the Archbishops and missionaries of the Mother Goddess's Church."
Cattleya, who was also standing on deck, nodded instinctively.
Earlier, much of his behavior along the way had struck her as unlike that of a being with an Angel's standing. Now, however, she suddenly felt that he fit the part very well.
Coming to her senses, she lit up with streak after streak of brilliant starlight. Their radiance spilled through the air, forming a long, transparent, glittering bridge between the Future and the Black Tulip.
"Board them! Prepare for close combat!"
It retracted so quickly that, in the blink of an eye, only a fleshless head the size of a basketball remained outside.
Whoosh!
Blazing golden flames sprang into being out of thin air. The evil spirit, which had not managed to retreat fully into Ludwell's body, instantly caught fire.
"Aaaah!"
"No... don't..."
Golden flames as brilliant as the midday sun coiled together into