A New Beginning

Torrential rain poured down, as if it meant to wash this cursed land clean.

Maffey Palace and Saint Somaz reacted at the same time, whirling around as killing intent tore through the rain.

"Who?!"

Thunder exploded across the sky, and a blinding bolt of lightning split the clouds, bathing the ruined God Valley in a ghastly white light.

In that fleeting flash, they saw—

Two figures racing through the downpour.

Rayleigh carried Roger over his shoulder, his teeth clenched tight as rain streamed wildly down from his hair and jaw.

Every step he took sent puddles exploding and gravel flying, as though he were racing the entire earth itself.

On the other side, Gaban carried Garp as well. His shoulders had gone pale under the weight, his muscles bulging as he breathed heavily and unevenly.

"Hah... hah..."

Garp's consciousness still swayed between delirium and wakefulness. His brow was tightly furrowed, his lips trembling faintly.

"Where's Rocks..."

"How is Rocks..."

That hoarse voice sounded especially fragile amid the wind and rain.

Gaban was panting too hard to form complete sentences, yet he still gritted his teeth and replied, his tone filled with complicated emotions:

"At a time like this—"

"You're still worrying about an enemy?!"

He forced out a bitter smile, but most of his words were swiftly swallowed by the rain.

"You... are my enemies too..."

On the other side, Roger had not completely lost consciousness either.

He leaned against Rayleigh's shoulder, rain battering his face, but he could no longer force out his usual grin. He merely spoke softly, almost in a whisper, "Rayleigh..."

"Where's Rocks..."

Rayleigh's steps paused almost imperceptibly.

But before he could answer—

"BOOM—!!!"

A terrifying explosion suddenly erupted from the ruins behind them.

The shockwave swept toward them, violently tearing apart the air. The dense