"..." As the two stood at swords' point, Firefly narrowed her eyes, a glint of resolute light flashing through her blue-pink pupils.
Suddenly, a cluster of icy blue flames ignited without warning in Gofemwood's illusory chest, engulfing his entire figure in an instant!
The flames flickered, making his translucent form resemble a dying candle in the wind.
"...?" Gofemwood looked somewhat surprised. Lowering his head to watch the blue fire dance across his body and consume his very existence, the ever-kind smile on his face cracked for the first time.
"Though she was not truly my companion, that Cremator left behind a cluster of her flames for me."
Firefly's slender fingers curled slightly, as though drawing invisible threads, faint light flowing around her fingertips.
"I never trusted you. During our journey together, I left it on you."
"Now, I have made it burn again. Burning away a single thought is easy enough."
The blue flames churned silently, greedily devouring Gofemwood's form.
The flames' cold glow reflected the shifting expression on his face—from surprise, to realization, and finally, a peculiar calm.
Standing within the sea of blue fire, Gofemwood neither hurried nor panicked. He even calmly applauded, the clapping sounding especially jarring within the vast crimson hall.
"Admirable. But do you truly believe you can move faster than I can?" His figure began to blur within the flames, turning transparent as motes of light continuously scattered from its edges.
"If I couldn't, I wouldn't have run." Firefly's gaze was as firm as stone. A faint yet distinct emerald radiance began to flow around her, outlining the shape of her body as it was gradually covered by armor.
"If that strike is destined to come, then I will be the only one to die in this nightmare."
Gofemwood smiled. His form had