In the Light Screen footage, Ereshkigal saw Fujimaru Tachibana, who was equally shocked and even somewhat bewildered. Holding Fou in her arms, she was floating not far behind Tohsaka Rin.
It was as though some special force had lifted Fujimaru Tachibana into the air.
However, Ereshkigal soon had no time to be surprised by Fujimaru Tachibana floating behind Tohsaka Rin, because she sensed something that filled her with dread.
Tohsaka Rin was drawing upon the power of the Underworld and absorbing it into her body to replenish her depleted mana.
In other words, Tohsaka Rin, who had been about to leave the stage, was no longer leaving.
Tohsaka Rin herself wore an unpleasant expression, clearly indicating that this had not been her intention.
Why had such a shocking change occurred?
The answer soon appeared.
Because Five Dragon Annihilation had not only destroyed Ereshkigal's temple—it had also shattered the barrier surrounding it.
By now, anyone with a bit of insight could see that the barrier had not merely been meant to trap everyone inside. It had also been a self-imposed seal, ensuring that she could not draw power from outside to replenish herself.
This showed just how completely Tohsaka Rin had restricted herself.
During the earlier fierce battle, the barrier had perfectly fulfilled its sealing role. Even when struck by the force of their clashes, it had not been damaged.
However, Five Dragon Annihilation was an enormously powerful wide-area attack. Moreover, in order to avoid harming everyone, Tohsaka Rin had done her utmost to control it and use it to destroy the battlefield.
Under the assault of the reaper's power, which shared the same origin as her own, the barrier constructed by Tohsaka Rin was finally broken.
As the barrier shattered, the seal vanished, allowing Tohsaka Rin to automatically absorb the