The moment Squidward's gaze fell on the spear, it abruptly swelled, releasing terrifying heat and erupting in a violent explosion that swallowed more than half of Cloud Castle in light.
The ruined Cloud Castle began to tilt slowly and descend, sinking into the clouds little by little.
Along with the explosion came a flood of dark, reddish-black flames. Resembling Squidward's "blood," they carried the intense corrosive influence of a mythical creature.
A massive figure burst out of the thick black smoke rising from the explosion.
Squidward!
The Weather Fairy once again revealed her complete mythical creature form, transforming into a towering Flame Giant. But the giant's flames were now dim, and a wound in her chest refused to heal. Flames continually drifted out of it, then vanished into the air.
"Who was it!"
The giant shook the air, producing a deafening voice.
She looked around and saw figures emerging throughout the ruined garden.
These figures were Sequence 9 Hunters, Sequence 7 Pyromaniacs, Sequence 4 Iron-blooded Knights, and more.
They appeared one after another, their sheer numbers filling the garden with shadowy silhouettes.
Then they parted to either side, and Squidward saw a familiar figure!
It was Sifa, wearing a half-height silk top hat, a double-breasted wool coat, a white shirt, and a black waistcoat!
The Flame Giant's lightning-filled eyes froze for a moment. "You?"
"Weren't you in Trier?"
"Clearly not." Sifa watched his prey warily. Even with the upper hand, he dared not let his guard down.
Just as he had said.
The one who had walked into the trap in Trier and been targeted by Squidward had never been him.
When he entered the changing room to change clothes, he had summoned a projection.
To make it as close to himself as possible and fool Squidward, Sifa had spent