The Dagger Is Revealed (6)

Apple Sea.

"If everything was fated..."

As the chorus of hope and despair began, the darkness beyond the stardust barrier grew ever more vigorous and turbulent. The golden ring Stella held in both hands within the sand table gradually lost its luster and dimmed... After all, luck had never been something eternal. Sooner or later, it would run out.

"Raise the waves...!"

Stubborn Stella refused to give up. Amid her hope-filled song, the gathered power of souls burst forth with countless rays of light, while the price she paid was her golden hair rapidly turning snow-white!

Thrum, thrum—before the piano, Tesoro sensed her resolve, and astonishing emotion erupted from his fingertips. It was a prayer that forgot life and death, a fearless call conveyed to everyone's hearts: follow her unto death!

Alleluia, alle...!

The hymn that followed condensed into countless pure white feathers, which fluttered from Tesoro's shoulders. Bearing light and devotion, they surged beyond the barrier and slowly pushed back the abyss-like darkness!

Boom—!

The Golden Bell's melodious chime spread outward. Colin, having released the bell hammer, shifted slightly and looked at Stella's profile, still refusing to give up. Tears had long since streamed down his face... She looked so much like the mother in his memories.

But she only looked like her. Colin knew full well that the dead could never return... Dad, Mom, I'm sorry. I can't let them become sacrifices on this path of revenge.

Seeing tens of thousands of people about to offer up their lives in this clash of soul power, Colin chose to end this phase... Even if it affected the subsequent plan or caused unforeseen complications, it did not matter. The living were what mattered most.

"Teacher, it's our turn..."

Reg caught Colin's gaze and sent a wave of electricity, then firmly