Beneath the moonlight, the black hair the girl had used to disguise herself slowly faded, returning to its flawless, snow-white silver.
Between her strands, faint points of light flickered, then drifted down around her. Some of her wounds began to heal, and her strength recovered considerably.
Sylutia's breathing steadied once more.
She slowly descended from the air. The two firefly-green swords in her hands were now tinged with a faint silver glow—not dazzling, but exceptionally gentle.
Iona's mutated eyes were clouded, and she still charged at Sylutia on instinct.
But this time, Sylutia didn't dodge. She watched Iona's movements intently, tightened her fingers around the sword hilts, and then—
A clear, quiet flash of swordlight streaked past.
The silver-lit blade pierced straight through Iona's chest, drawing out strands of black blood.
Then an invisible silver radiance spread from the wound, continually dispelling the Distortion Aspect Power within Iona and lightening the black-red veins that had spread across her body.
"It's no use..." Iona finally regained a little clarity. Her eyes turned weakly toward the night sky.
"It's no use..." she repeated, though it was unclear whether she meant Sylutia's efforts or herself.
Iona's strength failed, and she slowly sank to her knees. Sylutia had to support her with one arm.
"I'm sorry." Regret colored her voice.
Iona gave a slight shake of her head and said nothing more. Her entire body grew weaker by the moment, and the color quickly drained from her face.
"I'm sorry, Tia." She reached out and touched the girl's shoulder.
"I said some very harsh things to you."
"It's all right, Iona. Let's go down the mountain. The teacher will find a way to help you." Sylutia tried to support Iona as they descended.
But Iona still didn't respond. Her body was as heavy as